Book 33

Digging Numbers

by Mike Fletcher and Gary Lock

Published April 1994
"Digging numbers" is written as a gentle introduction to statistical methods for archaeologists at all levels. It is not a theoretical textbook, but a usable manual aimed at getting people to try statistics for themselves. Sections 1 and 2 work through the most popular techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics. A data set describing 40 spearheads is introduced at the beginning of the book and then used to illustrate each statistical procedure. Tests are worked through by hand with corresponding computer programmes written in SPSS/PC+ and MINITAB listed in Section 3. Section 4 presents a catalogue of statistical software itemizing cost, contents and other useful details of each package. A comprehensive list of specifically archaeological statistical software is included in the catalogue.