The Madison Triangle : there must be a point

The intent of this research is to identify through various statistical analyses any features, attributes, or characteristics of Madison points from Albee Phase context that could be used to distinguish them from Madison points made and used by other contemporaneous prehistoric groups. Descriptive statistics for an assemblage of Albee points will be generated to establish baseline data that theoretically characterizes a modal behavior for Albee Phase flint knappers. The Albee Phase data will be combined with comparable data for Yankeetown points and Angel Phase points. This combined data set will constitute the research universe, which will be subjected to discriminant function analysis. Discriminant function analysis is envisioned as a tool to: 1) Identify variables or a combination of variables that are unique to Albee Phase triangular points, 2) Produce a linear function to define an Albee Phase Madison point, and 3) Test that function by successfully allocating the points in the research universe to their appropriate, archaeologically defined cultural group.