How do archaeologists think? How do they use the scattered & often-fragmentary remains from the past-both historical & excavated-to create meaningful sensible interpretations of human history? In Archaeological Thinking Charles E Orser Jr provides a commonsense guide to applying critical thinking skills to archaeological questions & evidence Rather than critiquing & debunking specific cases of pseudo-archaeology or concentrating on archaeological theory Orser considers the basics of scientific thinking the use of logic & analogy the meaning & context of facts & the evaluation of source materials He explains concisely & accessibly how archaeologists use these principles to create pictures of the past & teaches students to develop the skills needed to make equally reasoned interpretations