ANTH Test 2 (250 Questions) | Archaeological Methods, Excavation, Sampling & Dating

This document is a comprehensive and exam-focused study resource containing approximately 250 verified questions with correct answers for ANTH Test 2, covering core concepts in archaeological theory, field methods, and analytical techniques. It is designed to support in-depth understanding and effective exam preparation for university-level archaeology and anthropology courses. The material provides detailed coverage of archaeological survey and excavation strategies, including complete versus partial excavation, random and stratified sampling, quadrat, transect, and systematic sampling methods, and the role of remote sensing technologies such as LiDAR. It emphasizes the importance of context and provenience, contrasting the perspectives of archaeologists and antiquities collectors, and discusses ethical and legal frameworks such as the UNESCO Cultural Properties Act. In addition, the document thoroughly explains research design in archaeology, outlining hypotheses, test implications, logistics, funding, excavation strategies, and recording procedures. Excavation methods such as vertical and horizontal excavation, stratigraphy, shovel testing, center trenching, and feature identification are clearly presented. The resource also includes extensive material on artifact classification, variables, attributes, typologies, and statistical approaches to pattern recognition. Chronological methods form a major component of the content, with clear explanations of relative and absolute dating techniques, including stratigraphy, seriation, cross-dating, pollen analysis, dendrochronology, obsidian hydration, potassium-argon dating, and radiocarbon dating. Practical considerations such as sample size, calibration, standard deviations, and reliability of dates are addressed in detail, making this document especially valuable for applied exam questions. This document is well suited for: Students enrolled in ANTH 4040, introductory archaeology, or archaeological methods courses Undergraduate students preparing for Test 2, midterms, or cumulative exams Anthropology, archaeology, and heritage studies majors Field school students seeking reinforcement of excavation and dating principles Learners needing a structured, exam-aligned revision guide for archaeology Keywords: archaeology, excavation methods, sampling strategies, survey techniques, LiDAR, research design, stratigraphy, horizontal excavation, vertical excavation, artifacts, ecofacts, features, provenience, classification, seriation, relative dating, radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology, potassium argon dating, archaeological ethics