Artefact attribute richness and sample size adequacy

Richness is a measure of diversity that is utilized by archaeologists in an expanding range of research contexts. The sample size dependency of this measure implies that it requires careful treatment. One strategy for dealing with sample size dependency is to assess whether the richness of the sample adequately reflects the richness of the underlying population. A computer-aided bootstrapping method has recently been developed to aid in conducting this assessment. The main weakness of the method is the degree of subjectivity required in distinguishing adequate from inadequate samples. In this paper, an attempt is made to develop objective criteria for making this decision. These criteria are then applied to assemblages of experimentally manufactured blades. This exercise demonstrates that the objective criteria are most useful when employed in combination with contextual information. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.