Beyond the binary: Inferential challenges and solutions in cognitive archaeology

Cheng Liu; Dietrich Stout

doi:10.1017/s0140525x24000980

Beyond the binary: Inferential challenges and solutions in cognitive archaeology

Cheng Liu, Dietrich Stout

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

We welcome Stibbard-Hawkes's empirical contributions and discussion of interpretive challenges for archaeology, but question some of his characterizations and conclusions. Moving beyond critique, it is time to develop new research methods that eschew simplistic modern/premodern binaries. We advocate an inductive, probabilistic approach using multiple lines of evidence to infer the causes and consequences of behavioral variability across time and space.

Original language	English
Article number	e13
Journal	Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Volume	48
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1017/s0140525x24000980
State	Published - 14 Jan 2025
Externally published	Yes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
Physiology
Behavioral Neuroscience

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10.1017/s0140525x24000980

Cite this

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abstract = "We welcome Stibbard-Hawkes's empirical contributions and discussion of interpretive challenges for archaeology, but question some of his characterizations and conclusions. Moving beyond critique, it is time to develop new research methods that eschew simplistic modern/premodern binaries. We advocate an inductive, probabilistic approach using multiple lines of evidence to infer the causes and consequences of behavioral variability across time and space.",

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AB - We welcome Stibbard-Hawkes's empirical contributions and discussion of interpretive challenges for archaeology, but question some of his characterizations and conclusions. Moving beyond critique, it is time to develop new research methods that eschew simplistic modern/premodern binaries. We advocate an inductive, probabilistic approach using multiple lines of evidence to infer the causes and consequences of behavioral variability across time and space.

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Beyond the binary: Inferential challenges and solutions in cognitive archaeology

Abstract

Bibliographical note

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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