Sampling Strategies

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Systematic Sampling	Random Sampling	Judgmental Sampling

Site Size=12,000 sq. meters Site Sample=8.75% N of Excavation Units=42 Area Excavated=1050 sq. meters N Pits w/Artifacts=9 % Pits w/Artifacts=21.4 N Recovered Artifacts=85	Site Size=12,000 sq. meters Site Sample=8.75% N of Excavation Units=42 Area Excavated=1050 sq. meters N Pits w/Artifacts=13 % Pits w/Artifacts=30.9 N Recovered Artifacts=130	Site Size=12,000 sq. meters Site Sample=8.75% N of Excavation Units=42 Area Excavated=1050 sq. meters N Pits w/Artifacts=14 % Pits w/Artifacts=33.3 N Recovered Artifacts=85

Discussion

In this hypothetical case, it appears Random Sampling Strategy was the most effective. Using this sampling technique, a relatively high number of pits were found to contain artifacts (30.9%) and the highest frequency of artifacts (130) was recovered. Wh ile the judgmental sampling strategy had more "hits" (n=14) it recovered only 85 artifacts. In this case the systematic sampling strategy was the least successful, but it still managed to recover 85 artifacts from 9 units. The advantage of the systemati c approach, however, was that it allowed for equal inspection of the entire project area, which neither the random or judgmental techniques provided.

Once again, there is not really a "best" technique which always provides the best results. Common sense would probably eliminate judgment testing in this kind of situation. Use of systematic or random sampling is often one of preference on the part of t he archaeologist.

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