Lessons on objectivity in clinical studies.
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.
Harvey
E A
EA
Genetics and Teratology Unit, Children's Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114-2696.
Hayes
A M
AM
Holmes
L B
LB
D002508:Cephalometry / Q000592:standards; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D015588:Observer Variation; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results