Why is an understanding of space-time systematics a crucial first step in understanding why people did what they did in the past?
A) Space-time systematics automatically explains why prehistory took the course that it did; in other words, explanatory hypotheses are built into space-time systematics.
B) Research questions generated by space-time systematics are easily answered because the necessary data have already been collected.
C) It is impossible to understand why cultures change without first documenting temporal and spatial change in artifact types.
D) All of the answers are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Understanding the temporal and spatial distribution of artifacts is essential for interpreting cultural changes and behaviors. Without first establishing a framework of when and where changes occurred, it's challenging to hypothesize why these changes happened. Space-time systematics provides this foundational knowledge, which is crucial for further archaeological analysis and understanding cultural evolution.

Why Is an Understanding of Space-Time Systematics a Crucial First