Abstract
Metrical errors are involved in any anthropometric measurements of the living body. In this paper the influence of technical experience on the reliability of somatometrical data was analyzed. Examiners were divided into two groups: an instructor group composed of 4 physical anthropologists and a student group consisting of 4 students of anthropology. Subjects were 2 female and 2 male undressed adults. Measurements were made on 50 out of 191 items necessary in the field of automobile ergonomics. Reliability of data was analyzed in terms of the 99% rate of confidence (Ck), the means of Ck (Mc) and the standard deviation of Mc (Sc).
The differences between the two groups were in general not significant in mean values as well as Mc and Sc. Discrepancies among the examiners were marked in metrical data on the same subjects, particularly for items measured with a tape or small sliding calipers. The results of this survey showed no significant influence of experience on the reliability, but elucidated the personal bias of examiners in their technique of measurements. The detailed criterion of measurements including more precise definition of landmarks and of items should be standardized for most items, especially for those not defined in Martin's Textbook.
