Christopher W. Schmidt - University of Indianapolis Archeology ...

Advantages of Non-Metric Analyses
The technique of analyzing discrete variants does not require expensive, delicate, or
complex equipment (Rhine, 1990). Therefore, analyses of discrete traits can be conducted fairly
quickly. Another advantage of non-metric analysis is that it can be performed on incomplete
skulls, whereas with metric analysis, an entire skull is typically necessary for a full battery of
measurements. In order to score a discrete trait, the only portion of the skull necessary is the
area where the variant occurs; therefore, even fragments of skulls can be analyzed for discrete
characteristics (Rhine, 1990). Additionally, non-metric analyses may be utilized regardless of
prior knowledge of the sex of an individual, whereas most older metric analysis methods
required the allocation of an individual to a particular sex before the discriminant function could
be applied (Finnegan and McGuire, 1979). However, modern computer methods such as
FORDISC 2.0 allow you to apply discriminant functions without knowing sex.
Disadvantages of Non-Metric Analyses
Non-metric analyses have been criticized because of the subjectivity of the
anthropologist’s characterization of the traits in question, which may account for a high degree
of inter-observer error (Church, 1995). Another problem with the use of non-metric variants is
that many are not clearly illustrated in the literature; therefore, an investigator may not know
exactly what she is looking for (Rosing, 1984). Non-metric traits that have been thoroughly
explained should have greater reliability and less inter-observer error. Unfortunately, there are
still certain traits that have not been adequately described, consequently decreasing their value
(Wood-Jones, 1930; Church, 1995).
Another problem is that studies using non-metric traits generally use rudimentary
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