Dear all
I was wondering if any of ye have advice on methodology re
measurement error of osteological measurements. Basically I want
to see what my measurement error is like in terms of accuracy and
percision. I have 4 extant cervid postcranial sets (foreleg, hindleg
and pelvis bones of both male and female, across different age
classes - newborns to old ages) and 1 extinct cervid species.. I
was the only person measuring all bones, so no intervariation
associated with different measurers.
I have gone through the literature to date and can't find any definite
article (unless I am missing them) in regard to measurement error
techniques. Apart from an article by Lynch & O'Sullivan 1993/5.
Originally I was thinking of using 2 adults of each sex from each of
the extant species and getting 8 replicates and then comparing the
means and coefficient of variations. But then perhaps this is
overkilling it. Then I was thinking of taking 1 set of adult bones
(either sex) from each of the extant species and 1 set from the
extinct (sex unknown) and doing 5 replicates and then using CVs
etc.
Does anyone have any ideas on the subject? Or indeed any help in
regard to this. Obviously ye all at some stage would have to take
into account measurement error from skeletal samples, so any
help or insights from past experiences would be of great help.
I hope all is well and looking forward to the replies.
Kind regards & Slainte
Ruth
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Ruth F. Carden B.Sc.
Mammal Research Group
Zoology Department
National University of Ireland, Dublin
Belfield, Dublin 4
Ireland
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Tel: (+)353-1-7162261 (note new number)
Fax: (+)353-1-7061152
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