Descriptions of Summary Articles

Otis Crandell

Summary Articles

General description

These articles present an overview of a particular topic or sub-field with a connection to Palaeoindian research. Examples of possible summary topics:

• research in a particular country or region;

• a summary of knowledge about a scientific method.

• an overview (possibly historical) of a topic (e.g. an overview research on a particular prehistoric technology, or historical overview of a particular theory);

• a summary of knowledge about a specific tool tradition;

In general, these articles should include an overview of the history of the topic (e.g. history of research in the region) as well as an overview of the current research being done on the topic. They should contain a large bibliography so that readers can use the articles as a starting point for finding references. The author should indicate recommended references throughout the text.

Recommended word limit: flexible

Regional summaries

For region or country summaries, consider the following sections:

• history of research in the region or country. This would include raw materials analyses, sourcing studies, use-wear studies. Not just knapped stone tools, but also carved stone or possibly even peripheral fields like rock art, or ancient gemmology.

• major developments, important events, significant changes in research trends

• main contributors (past and present researchers)

• current topics

• possibly an overview of what are considered the important sites or collections in the region, or something else related to sites or site distribution

• an extensive bibliography (in particular the most important works on Palaeoindian research)

Imagine that someone who has never worked in this region came there for the first time and wanted to quickly become familiar with local research. This is the target audience. The reader will likely know about Palaeoindian research in general, probably having experience in other countries or regions, but nothing specifically about research in the topic region. The reader might not know much about the cultures and periods of the local prehistory. Obviously, do not dwell too much on basics, but try to decide whether you feel that some basic explanations, references or citations regarding cultures and chronologies might help the reader to understand your article and then address the issues accordingly.

The bibliography is particularly important for regional or national summaries because it may be used as a reference tool. Since the readers might not normally have access to the important journals of the study region, the bibliography in a summary article can quickly lead the readers to the important articles which they may not have otherwise found.

Outline

• a history of research in the specified country or region,

• major developments,

• the main contributors (researchers - past and present),

• current topics,

• an extensive bibliography (very important).

Research methodology summaries

This type of article provides a good introduction and bibliography to archaeologists if they intend to starting research using this methodology or want to later collaborate with a specialist who works in this field. The bibliography alone would be a valuable reference tool because it gives them a starting point for learning about the method.

Outline

For methodology summaries, consider the following sections:

• history of this field and research done in it;

• description of methods (typical procedures and equipment used by this method);

• description of any sub-fields within this method or related fields

• important developments;

• important contributors (past and present);

• current topics of interest;

• future avenues of development.

• the bibliography should include the main publications regarding this research method

Academic discussion topic summaries

This type of article should present a current topic which is being debated or discussed among researchers. It should present all sides in an unbiased way, although the author might draw conclusions at the end.

Outline

• history of research on this topic,

• important developments or breakthroughs in our understanding of the topic,

• the main contributors (researchers - past and present),

• current questions, debates or controversies regarding this topic (with unbiased weight given to the various sides of the discussion)

• [optional] discussion, interpretation, or conclusions regarding the questions and debates from the previous section,

• an extensive bibliography (very important).

Assemblage or site summaries

These article should provide a summary either a specific assemblage, site, or group of related sites. Although the author might use original research results, the majority of the paper should present a summary of material from published literature.

Outline

• descriptions of this assemblage, site or group of sites,

• history of research on this,

• an extensive bibliography (very important).