title: Lessons on objectivity in clinical studies.
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.
authors: Genetics and Teratology Unit, Children's Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114-2696.
authors: E A
authors: EA
authors: Harvey
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Hayes
authors: L B
authors: LB
authors: Holmes
mesh_terms: 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