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Multivariate Distances and Multivariate Classification Systems Using Non-Metric Traits in Biological Studies

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Multivariate Statistical Methods in Physical Anthropology
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Abstract

Multivariate statistical measures of biological distance utilizing non-metric traits on the human cranium was first explored by Berry and Berry (1967) utilizing the multivariate statistics developed by C.A.B. Smith and known as the Grewal-Smith statistic (Grewal, 1962). By 1975 attempts were being made in the classification of human crania by means of non-metric traits in order to assign one or some few individuals into a parent or larger group (SjØvold, 1975; Finnegan, 1975). However, these first attempts at classification utilized very cumbersome statistics (hypergeometric probabilities), and the methods had a high rate of mis-classification. The “tally” method (Anderson, 1968) was also utilized, but did not provide the accuracy in classification that Anderson had originally achieved.

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© 1984 D. Reidel Publishing Company

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Finnegan, M., Rubison, R.M. (1984). Multivariate Distances and Multivariate Classification Systems Using Non-Metric Traits in Biological Studies. In: Van Vark, G.N., Howells, W.W. (eds) Multivariate Statistical Methods in Physical Anthropology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6357-3_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6357-3_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-009-6359-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-6357-3

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