The process of relating the size of a sector (as defined in Chapter 3) to the size of the resident human population may be conceptualized algorithmically; that is as a series of operations performed upon an initial state or value (in this case, the sector size in hectares) which produce a desired final state or value (the number of human residents in a location at a given time). I refer to this process as ``site size correction.'' Each step in the correction process involves the postulation of a series of assumptions and relationships, which I will attempt to spell out in what follows. It is worth emphasizing that site size correction procedures will vary drastically with settlement system type and with local circumstances and cultural peculiarities. The method I use in this study is limited in a double sense. First, it is particular to the Titicaca Basin. Second, it is based on very incomplete information. I expect this procedure to be considerably revised as reliable information on prehistoric household and village configurations comes to light.
That said, I here present a schematic formulation of the procedure - a simple enumeration of the steps involved in traversing the void between raw data and analytically useful information - which I subsequently explain in more detail.