The myths and realities of Bayesian chronological modeling revealed

Hamilton, W. D. and Krus, A. M. (2017) The myths and realities of Bayesian chronological modeling revealed. American Antiquity, 83(2), pp. 187-203. (doi: 10.1017/aaq.2017.57)

Abstract

We review the history of Bayesian chronological modeling in archaeology and demonstrate that there has been a surge over the past several years in American archaeological applications. Most of these applications have been performed by archaeologists who are self-taught in this method because formal training opportunities in Bayesian chronological modeling are infrequently provided. We define and address misconceptions about Bayesian chronological modeling that we have encountered in conversations with colleagues and in anonymous reviews, some of which have been expressed in the published literature. Objectivity and scientific rigor is inherent in the Bayesian chronological modeling process. Each stage of this process is described in detail, and we present examples of this process in practice. Our concluding discussion focuses on the potential that Bayesian chronological modeling has for enhancing understandings of important topics.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hamilton, Professor Derek and Krus, Dr Anthony
• Authors: Hamilton, W. D., and Krus, A. M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: American Antiquity
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 0002-7316
• ISSN (Online): 2325-5064
• Published Online: 16 November 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 Cambridge University Press
• First Published: First published in American Antiquity 83(2):187-203
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher