Consistency of selected craniometric landmark locations and the resulting variation in measurements

Recently, forensic anthropology has undergone a major shift to quantitative methodologies, including the standardization of osteometric measurements. This study is an analysis of inter-observer error rates for eight “standardized” cranial measurements. Thirty participants, of varied experience, were asked to note the location of landmarks used in each measurement, and to record the resulting measurement. None of the tested measurements met the previously established 80% consensus rate necessary to be considered “standardized-in-practice” [1]. The highest consensus rate was that of nasal breadth (67.9%), followed by that of the mastoid height (57.1%). This low precision yielded percent mean differences of 2-48% of the total measurement, with range differences of up to 42 mm. These results indicate that the field should take steps to improve osteometric standardization, including re-examining all measurements currently listed in osteometric canon and re-issuing a comprehensive guide.