Lessons on objectivity in clinical studies

Am J Med Genet. 1994 Oct 15;53(1):19-20. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.1320530104.

Abstract

Clinical assessments made with measuring devices are generally considered "objective" and "accurate" and are, therefore, more discriminating than subjective assessments. We show that the choice of measuring devices or non-standardized landmarks to be used with the measuring devices affect the "accuracy" of the "objective" findings.

MeSH terms

  • Cephalometry / standards
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Female
  • Head / anatomy & histology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Nose / anatomy & histology
  • Observer Variation
  • Physical Examination / standards*
  • Reproducibility of Results