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Statistical Blight

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Sheldon Scheps
Sheldon Scheps*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
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Abstract

A short-term remedy is proposed in the hope of curtailing the proliferation of statistical and inferential error rife within the published archaeological literature. First, a study by Isbell and Schreiber, one that violates rudimentary quantitative and qualitative analytical precepts, yet nevertheless was published in American Antiquity, is discussed in depth in order to exemplify the extent to which matters have deteriorated within the discipline. Then, this analysis, in conjunction with the various compendia of statistical abuse compiled by numerous professionals within the field, is invoked as support for an argument advocating structural changes in the peer review system. Perhaps such solutions could be implemented until previously proposed long-term solutions, such as David Thomas"s call for compulsory courses and certification examinations to satisfy academic degree requirements, are finally instituted.

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Type
Comments
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 47 , Issue 4 , October 1982 , pp. 836 - 851
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1982

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