This paper is a cross-cultural study of dwelling floor area and
population size, which uses Naroll (1962) as a starting point and guide.
Naroll's research has been used extensively by archaeologists for
population prediction from dwelling floor area. At the outset, Naroll's
empirical results are called into question because of data inaccuracy.
The restudy begins with a review of the critical literature. Questions
of variable measurement that were not elaborated by Naroll are
explored: What is dwelling floor area, what is a dwelling, and what is a
typical measure of dwelling floor area for a culture? Three distributional
models are used as guides to correlational analysis. A gourd-shaped
model is preferred, but cannot be given unequivocal support. Never
theless, one way to derive a worldwide population estimator from the
restudy data is to use the predictor of 6 m 2/person. This predictor is
supported by convergent validity from two other samples. A "basic
needs" theory for dwelling floor area is advanced. Little support,
however, is found for the two basic needs that have been postulated-
the need to avoid the deleterious effects of crowding and the need for
shelter from severe climate.
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