Garbology Survey Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to determine whether patterns of behavior are visible in the material remains you observe. You will conduct a ground survey of two sites, analyze the trash/debris you observe, and test your hypotheses about the sites based on your finds.

Choose two outdoor locations that are mostly similar but differ in terms of some important aspects of typical behavior in those locations. The sites will likely vary in size but should be no smaller than 20 feet square or the equivalent. The behavioral differences can be based on your own knowledge of the locations, on your assumptions about human nature, etc. Following are some suggestions, but we urge you to think of different places that would be interesting to compare.

  • A portion of a public park vs. a vacant lot
  • A tourist beach vs. a non-tourist beach
  • A parking lot of a shopping center vs. a parking lot of an business complex
  • An art cinema vs. a mainstream theater

2. Prior to surveying your chosen locations, develop at least two testable hypotheses regarding the material evidence you expect to observe at each site. Include your reasons/rationale for your expectations in describing your hypotheses.

3. Conduct a ground survey of trash/debris at the two areas. Describe any debris (artifacts) and features you observe on the surface. Do not collect the debris! Your descriptions of the debris should include information about each piece of debris’ significant attributes—location, size, shape, manufacturer, condition, etc. You should try to describe at least 25 pieces of debris at each site.

4. Analyze your survey data for patterns of similarities and differences for the two areas. For example:

  •  Are there clusters of debris?
  • Are some items clustered together while others are not?
  • Are there differences in types, amounts, conditions, etc. in where and how debris is found at the two areas?

Written Analysis (1000-1200 words)

Write an analysis that incorporates your findings using the following structure to organize your work.

1. Introduction – Discuss the two sites you chose to survey and why. What were your hypotheses and your predictions about the type of debris you would find at these sites?

2. Methods – Describe the survey strategy/method you used to test your hypotheses. Make sure to give a detailed discussion of your process.

3. Data – Include an inventory of all of the artifacts that you mapped at the site in a spreadsheet or table format. Be sure to include all important details about the artifacts in your spreadsheet/table.

4. Analysis – Discuss your findings at the two sites. Did you identify any patterns in the debris? What does the debris tell you about the area in which it was found? Can you infer anything about the people that may have visited that area? For example, does the majority of the debris point to any sociodemographic categories? USE specific EXAMPLES (lines of evidence) that support your interpretations. Consider other potential interpretations even if you think they are less likely than yours. Be careful not to overstate your data and avoid cultural bias and “assumed” knowledge. Everything you write about the assemblage’s culture must come directly from the specific items in your inventory.

5. Conclusion – Compare your evidence from the sites with your hypotheses and your predictions. Did you find what you anticipated? Do you accept or reject your hypotheses? Did you find any unexpected differences in the debris that can be related to behavior that took place at the two locations? Designate your data inventories as table 1 and table 2 and attach them to your written analysis as appendices. Reference the tables in your writing when appropriate.