@article {9729,
	title = {Debitage Sample Size and its Implications for Understanding Lithic Assemblage Variability},
	journal = {Canadian Journal of Archaeology/Journal canadien d{\textquoteright}arch{\'e}ologie},
	volume = {33},
	year = {2009},
	pages = {40-64},
	abstract = {<p>When conducting lithic debitage analyses, archaeologists commonly draw study samples from larger assemblages rather than examining every single flake. However, the size of these samples and the methods used to draw them are variable. This paper examines how unsystematic sampling procedures used in debitage analysis can skew site interpretations. An alternative sampling strategy devised specifically for measuring debitage variability is proposed. To test its effectiveness, this strategy is applied to the Sandy Point (LlDv\&ndash;10) debitage assemblage. Results obtained from a 100 percent sample, a sample drawn using the proposed method, and a 20 percent disproportionate stratified random sample are compared. This comparison indicates a sample drawn using the proposed strategy yields results that are entirely consistent with those derived from studying the entire assemblage. Furthermore, it demonstrates that samples drawn using randomly selected percentages are frequently inadequate thus increasing the potential of yielding spurious results.</p>},
	author = {S. Brooke Milne}
}
