We are pleased to announce the 5th AHRC collaborative PhD award related to the Scheme, details are below. It is a much needed piece of research work that will add to the validity of our dataset.
AHRC Collaborative PhD in analysis of the distribution of Portable Antiquities Scheme data: Archaeology, University of Southampton and the Portable Antiquities Scheme – The British Museum
This three year doctorate funded under the AHRC collaborative doctoral scheme will investigate how representative the data collected by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is for understanding the spatial distribution of artefact types and human activities in the past. This will be done through analysis of data from the Scheme’s records from Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and a third region agreed at the start of the doctorate. The successful candidate will develop and apply a range of research methods to the data and present a coherent analysis of the biases inherent in the PAS database. The doctorate will consider a range of archaeological, social and environmental impacts on the distribution of PAS data by exploring finders’ methodology, by employing spatial statistical techniques and through the use of Geographic Information Systems. The doctorate will begin in October 2008.
Applications are due by Friday 25 July 2008
Title: How representative is the data collected by the Portable Antiquities Scheme?
Supervisors: Southampton: Graeme Earl PAS: JD Hill [and Roger Bland]
Additional advisor: Queens University Belfast: Chris Lloyd
Start time of project: October 2008
Duration: Three years
Funding: All tuition fees; £12,000 maintenance allowance; additional travel allowance
This doctorate will investigate how representative the data collected by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is for understanding the spatial distribution of artefact types and human activities in the past, through analysis of data from a sample region recorded by the scheme.
The Portable Antiquities Database (PAD) is a rapidly growing resource containing information on over 338,000 artefacts and where they were found in England and Wales, with more than 77,000 new objects recorded in 2007 and 26,000 for 2008. The objects range in date from the Palaeolithic to the early Modern era and have all been found by members of the public, including metal detectorists, and amateur archaeologists. It provides the first large scale comprehensive database from which to examine the distributions, typologies and other aspects of a wide range of different classes of artefacts from stone tools to early modern period dress fittings. Although this database is increasingly being used by academic researchers for studies of particular artefact classes and the identification of previously unknown archaeological sites, there has so far been little detailed research on the nature of the data itself.
In particular there is an urgent need to understand those factors that influence the geographical distribution of the data and the relationships between collection practice, artefact type and space. This doctorate will consider how representative of actual past distributions of material this database of objects is, and what factors define the bias inherent in the record.
Aims and objectives
1. To assess bias within the PAD, in the wider context of studies of collection as a social activity. How can we approach and overcome the inherent biases that affect the spatial distribution of data in the PAS database for the study areas? Can collector biases in the region be identified, in terms of spatial distribution? How does this relate to previous studies of antiquarian collection and to comparative examples from naturalist and geologist exploration?
2. To develop and employ spatial statistical techniques in order to confront the issues surrounding the distribution of data in the study area
3. To combine and analyse dispersed data relevant to the study through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The successful candidate will develop and apply a range of research methods to the data and present a coherent analysis of the biases inherent in the PAS database. The doctorate will specifically focus on the PAD records from Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and a third region agreed at the start of the doctorate, and consider a range of archaeological, social and environmental impacts on the distribution of PAS data. The student will be based at the University of Southampton and at the British Museum where the Portable Antiquities Scheme is administered. The AHRC collaborative doctoral award scheme is intended to allow students to gain first hand experience of working outside the academic environment, in order to develop their employment related skills and training.
Knowledge of and interest in the Portable Antiquities Scheme and Geographic Information Systems is important and candidates must be prepared to learn and apply statistical techniques. Applicants must be either UK residents (full studentship) or EU nationals (fees only). They should normally have, or expect soon to be awarded, a Masters degree. If he/she has already gained or completed the requirements of a doctoral degree in any subject however funded, they are not eligible to apply.
For full details see:http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/apply/postgrad/postgrad_details_d/eligibility.asp
For further information, contact: Graeme Earl (graeme.earl@ston.ac.uk) or JD Hill (JHill@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk)
Information on Research Degrees at the University of Southampton is available at:
http://www.humanities.soton.ac.uk/default.asp?sec=177&sub=0&pag=0
To apply candidates should send a CV and two references to Graeme Earl at the following address. References may be emailed direct.
CDA Application – Dr Graeme Earl
Archaeology
School of Humanities
University of Southampton
Southampton
SO17 1BF
Applications are due by Friday 25 July 2008 and interviews will be conducted in the week beginning 4 August 2008.
