Evaluations of Models with Dolores Area Data. Modeling Dolores Area Cultural Dynamics.

Abstract

Two chapters are included here. In the first chapter, results regarding the contrastive expectations for the 2 models are evaluated and some tentative conclusions are reached. Some suggestions are also made regarding further work that might improve the resolution of the tests. The second chapter is devoted to the development of a general model of sociocultural change and to the identification of some implications of this model that can be tested against archaeological data from the Dolores area. After introductory comments about the nature of building and testing theoretical models, a major section is devoted to presenting a general model of a regional sociocultural system. This model is not specific to the Dolores area or to Anasazi culture, but is derived from theoretical considerations and substantive generalizations about how "Formative" level (Willey and Phillips 1958) sociocultural systems work. This general model is presented and discussed to identify variables and relationships potentially important in bringing about sociocultural change. Thus, it is intended as a survey of variables and relationships that might be considered in investigating specific instances of sociocultural change.