Observer Error in Skinfold Thickness Measurements

Document Type

Article

Authors

L Burkinshaw, The General Infermary, Leeds
P R.M Jones, University of Technology , Loughborough
D W. Krupowicz, The General Infirmary, Leeds

Abstract

Two sets of skinfold measurements were made on 21 subjects by three observers using a Harpenden caliper. One of the observers had several years’ experience of the technique, while the other two were relatively inexperi­enced. Measurements were made at the biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac sites. In one set of measurements, the sites were marked on the skin by the first observer, but in the second set, each observer located the sites for himself. When the sites were marked, the values found by the three observers for the sum of the four skinfold thicknesses were in agreement. When the sites were not marked, the less experienced observers obtained values averaging about 2 mm. higher than those found by the experienced observer.

Recommended Citation

Burkinshaw, L; Jones, P R.M; and Krupowicz, D W. (1973) "Observer Error in Skinfold Thickness Measurements," Human Biology: Vol. 45: Iss. 2, Article 11.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol45/iss2/11