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Statistical Methods in Anthropology
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ANTH 372/572
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30-10.45am, Dane Smith Hall, Room 223
Class Instructor: Marcus Hamilton
Lab Instructor: Greg Zaro


The emphasis of this class is to understand the logical basis, set of assumptions, and underlying mechanics of statistical hypothesis testing, with the aim that by the end of the course people will be able to manipulate simple data sets, accurately describe statistical relationships, and understand the results of published research. We will focus on both parametric and non-parametric univariate statistics, but will touch on multivariate techniques (time allowing), which are essential to manipulating more complex data sets. The class assumes no previous background in either mathematics, computing, or statistics beyond the level of basic arithmetic. In class, we will learn to carry out basic statistical tests by focusing on the more theoretical aspects of statistics using simple equations (plug and chug) to highlight the procedures, and in the labs we will focus on using MINITAB and EXCEL to manage data sets and perform the same and more complex tests. Please read the assigned chapters before class so that you have a background to what is being discussed, and can come armed with questions. Grading is based on statistical concepts and the ability to follow statistical procedures on paper and on the computer, not on the rote memorization of equations. Students are encouraged to attend office hours and work together on the problem sets, but all assignments must be handed in as individual pieces of work. However, the final take-home exam is to be completed individually, with no collaboration.


Class Syllabus


Reading Assignments

Text: Leonard, R. D. and T. VanPool. In Prep.
Quantitative Methods in Anthroplogy.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13

Optional Readings

Week Three: Z Score Model of Risk Reduction

Winterhalder, B. and C. Goland. 1997. An Evolutionary Ecology Perspective on Diet Choice, Risk, and Plant Domestication. In: K.J. Gremillion, ed. People, Plants, and Landscapes: Studies in Paleoethnobotany. Tuscaloosa, AL: U. of Alabama Press. Pp. 123-160.

Winterhalder and Goland pdf.

Stephens, D.W. and J.R. Krebs. 1986. Foraging Theory. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Pp. 137-144.

Additional Material and Minitab Procedures

Descriptive Statistics
Characterizing Data Visually
1 Sample t-test
2 Sample t-test I
2 Sample t-test II
2 Sample t-test III
Paired 2 Sample t-test
Pooled se and the Satterthwaite Approximation
Power I (2 Sample)
Checking Assumptions
Data Transforms
1 Sample Sign test
Wilcoxon Signed Rank test
Non-Parametric Paired Data
Mann-Whitney U 2 Sample test (Wilcoxon Sum Rank)
One-Way ANOVA and Bonferroni Multiple Comparisons
Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and WMW Multiple Comparisons
Modeling with Linear Regression: Exponential Functions
Modeling with Linear Regression: Power Functions

Problem Set Information

Problem Set Guidelines
Example Problem Set


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Updated: 24 August 2004/ Send corrections to the Webmaster