Quantitative Methods
My research relies on the use of quantitative and data science methods for exploring data, testing hypotheses, and estimating diversification dynamics. I am active in developing methods for the analysis of aggregated, multi-collection archaeological databases ("big data"). I work primarily in the R programming environment with a recent article (Gjesfjeld in press) demonstrating the use of R for the analysis of geochemical compositional data. Drawing from my experience with macro-evolutionary methods, I also use a combination of methods to construct and evaluate cultural phylogenies (BEAST, BAMM). Analysis of diversification dynamics is performed using the PyRate program developed by Daniele Silvestro and colleagues.
My research relies on the use of quantitative and data science methods for exploring data, testing hypotheses, and estimating diversification dynamics. I am active in developing methods for the analysis of aggregated, multi-collection archaeological databases ("big data"). I work primarily in the R programming environment with a recent article (Gjesfjeld in press) demonstrating the use of R for the analysis of geochemical compositional data. Drawing from my experience with macro-evolutionary methods, I also use a combination of methods to construct and evaluate cultural phylogenies (BEAST, BAMM). Analysis of diversification dynamics is performed using the PyRate program developed by Daniele Silvestro and colleagues.
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Social Network Analysis
In previous publications, the focus of my quantitative research has been the theoretical and methodological application of social network analysis to archaeological data. In theory, social networks that extend over multiple spatial scales help reduce environmental uncertainty in remote environments by providing increased opportunities to acquire broad knowledge of environmental conditions and establishing formal partners outside of an individual’s local area (Fitzhugh et al. 2011; Gjesfjeld and Phillips 2013). Building from a theory of adaptive social networks, my research has aimed to address the methodological issues that impact the archaeological analysis of hunter-gatherer-fisher social networks. Specifically, this includes integrating bootstrap simulation and sensitivity analyses to examine the robustness and sensitivity of small node networks to incomplete and aggregated data (Gjesfjeld 2015). This research establishes that even though archaeological data often suffers from a range of methodological problems, SNA based upon archaeological data from foraging contexts can be reliably used to inform and enhance archaeological interpretations of small-scale societies. |
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Publications
Gjesfjeld, Erik
2015 Social Network Analysis of Archaeological Data from Hunter-Gatherers:Methodological Problems and Potential Solutions. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory 22(1), pp. 182-205. Article can be found here.
Gjesfjeld, Erik and S. Colby Phillips
2013 Evaluating Adaptive Network Strategies with Geochemical Sourcing Data: A Case Study from the Kuril Islands. In Network Analysis in Archaeology: New Approaches to Regional Interaction, edited by Carl Knappett, pp. 281-305. Oxford University Press.
Fitzhugh, Ben, S. Colby Phillips and Erik Gjesfjeld
2011 Modeling Hunter-Gatherer Information Networks: An Archaeological Case Study from the Kuril Islands. In Information and Its Role in Hunter-Gatherer Bands, edited by Robert Whallon, William A. Lovis and Robert K. Hitchcock, pp. 85-115. Ideas, Debates,and Perspectives 5, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press: Los Angeles.
Gjesfjeld, Erik
2015 Social Network Analysis of Archaeological Data from Hunter-Gatherers:Methodological Problems and Potential Solutions. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory 22(1), pp. 182-205. Article can be found here.
Gjesfjeld, Erik and S. Colby Phillips
2013 Evaluating Adaptive Network Strategies with Geochemical Sourcing Data: A Case Study from the Kuril Islands. In Network Analysis in Archaeology: New Approaches to Regional Interaction, edited by Carl Knappett, pp. 281-305. Oxford University Press.
Fitzhugh, Ben, S. Colby Phillips and Erik Gjesfjeld
2011 Modeling Hunter-Gatherer Information Networks: An Archaeological Case Study from the Kuril Islands. In Information and Its Role in Hunter-Gatherer Bands, edited by Robert Whallon, William A. Lovis and Robert K. Hitchcock, pp. 85-115. Ideas, Debates,and Perspectives 5, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press: Los Angeles.
