Reflections on interobserver differences in scoring non-metric cranial traits (with practical examples)

On the basis of critical observations on the variability of expression of some “discrete” traits of the human skull, the authors performed a study concerning the interobserver error in the interpretation of these traits. The first results, obtained from three independent studies on the same skulls, point to a variable degree of subjectiveness in the interpretation even of rather well specified traits. The authors suggest that one of the major causes of error in scoring “discrete” skull characters would be the inadequacy of the present generally accepted standard notation.