Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER
18
Future Research Considerations
in H uman Skeletal Bi ology
Elizabeth A. DiGangi, Megan K. Moore
Surely the astute reader of this volume has noticed the broad diversity of the contribu-
tors' experience. Some are senior scholars with the advantage of having successfully
completed dozens of research projects, presentations, and publications. Other scholars
are recent PhDs or advanced graduate students with the student perspective still fresh
on their minds, and yet others fall somewhere in between. Our intent in assembling such
an assortment of authors was to bring a variety of viewpoints on the research process to
the volume and to illustrate that one need not be a senior scholar to successfully conduct
a research project. Even scholars with years of experience were once in your shoes: eager
to learn, maybe a little overwhelmed, and perhaps apprehensive of the process ahead.
Each chapter in this volume has demonstrated that certain key factors are necessary to
begin: (1) knowledge of the scientific method; (2) knowledge of the literature (both historic
theoretical foundations and more recent advances); and (3) knowledge of the anthropolog-
ical questions and methods particular to the area of interest. Other themes are evident as
well, which will be discussed herein.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPING YOUR
APTITUDE AS A SCHOLAR
It seems belated to state that you must know your osteology. Each area in skeletal biology
will require that the practitioner be an expert in skeletal anatomy, including knowledge of the
cellular structure of bone (i.e., histology). Musculoskeletal anatomy is critical as well, as you
cannot understand dry bone without understanding the system of muscles, joints, ligaments,
and tendons that operated on the once living skeleton. Courses in gross anatomy and phys-
iology will help you gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the different
systems within the human body. An additional understanding of how the skeleton is affected
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