When an instructor assigns a research term paper, there is seldom real
research involved, i.e., there is no specific research question that needs
to be answered. The paper is an exercise to acquaint a student with the
process (could you trust the results if you were really trying to address
an issue?); an engineering student doesn't build a bridge; and a medical
student doesn't; etc... .
 
Why then, is it alright for archaeology students to practice on real sites?
 
Christian Gerike