1. How do you feel this morning?
a) Once I’ve had my coffee, I’ll be raring to go.
b) I feel like my internal organs have been replaced by origami models made of sandpaper, and my head is full of cotton wool, gravel and pheasants.
c) I’m locked in deep contemplation of a complex theoretical paradigm.
d) Morning? What’s that?!
2. What did you get up to last night?
a) I watched that latest David Attenborough wildlife documentary.
b) Bloody hell, I have no idea. There may have been sambuca.
c) I curled up with some hot chocolate and a stack of journal articles.
d) I spent a lovely evening at the cinema with friends.
3. What do you like most about fieldwork?
a) Participating in the entire research process, from uncovering and collecting the raw data, to analysing the results in an empirical, scientific manner.
b) The ‘work hard, play hard’ atmosphere.
c) It’s interesting the see where the information comes from, but I’d really rather have someone else do it for me.
d) I hate it. My feet get wet and my hair goes all frizzy.
4. When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
a) A geologist. Plate tectonics is so cool.
b) A rock star. Or maybe just a groupie. Either way, sex, drugs and rock’n’roll!
c) Don’t be silly, I’ve always wanted to be an archaeologist.
d) A doctor or teacher, so I can give something back to society.
5. What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
a) Three months wandering around the tundra, taking samples for my research project.
b) Glastonbury! Then I’m off backpacking round Central America.
c) I’ll be glued to my desk, this book won’t write itself! But don’t worry, I’ve taken some time off for conferences…
d) Two weeks in Tenerife, and maybe a city break or two, who knows? I’ll just go with the flow.
6. Finally, how important is money to you?
a) Not too important, I can always apply for a grant when I really need it.
b) As long as I’ve got money for beer and cigarettes, and a roof over my head, I’m fine.
c) I’d like to have enough money for my own flat, and maybe a car. I want to live comfortably.
d) I’d like to be rich one day.
RESULTS
Mostly As – You are an archaeological scientist. You can’t be arsed with this namby-pamby theory bollocks, and are happiest with your eyes glued to a microscope. You also enjoy the outdoors, and will happily hike for days to get that one essential pollen core.
Mostly Bs – You are a field archaeologist. You will spend your life being paid a pittance to get up at 5am, dig large holes which will eventually be filled in again, and be asked by the general public if you are a builder or a landscape gardener. On the other hand, you really know how to party.
Mostly Cs – You are an academic. Archaeology is your life. Well, the bits of archaeology that are written in books, anyway. You are fascinated by past civilisations, but aren’t quite sure how they coped without Starbucks and central heating. Your aim in life is to have an army of postgraduate minions to do your dirty work.
Mostly Ds – You are not an archaeologist. You are a normal, well-rounded human being. Congratulations!
