The index method for comparing groups: possibilities and limitations

Abstract

Introduction. The article discusses the possibilities of applying the index method for comparing osteological series in anthropology. It evaluates how reliable the conclusions drawn from calculated indicators are, in comparison with the analysis of original morphological traits.

Materials and methods. Two male osteological series from the necropolis at the Corpus Christi Church in Nesvizh, Belarus, were examined in this study: 1) native and disturbed burials around the church (presumably 18th century); 2) dispersed bones from under the crypt floor (presumably 17th century). Several indices were calculated based on standard osteometric measurements. The interpretation of index values was carried out using literary sources. The significance of differences between the series was assessed using Student’s t-test; the results were visualized through radar charts.

Results. The values of several indices for both series (morphological width of the scapula, robustness of the humerus, radius, femur, and ulna from the crypt series, as well as most diaphyseal cross‑sectional indices) fall within the range of variation of modern human group averages. Some indices exceed these averages (robustness of the tibiae and right clavicles in both series; robustness of the right ulna from the cemetery series). The series show statistically significant differences in the following indices: robustness of the right humeri; cross‑sectional indices at the mid‑diaphysis of both femora; indices at the upper diaphysis of both ulnae; cross‑sectional index at the mid‑diaphysis of the left tibia.

Discussion. The analysis showed that indices provide a less pronounced picture of differences compared to the original osteometric measurements. This is due to the specifics of the calculation: an index, as a percentage ratio of a smaller dimension to a larger one, can mask real morphological differences. Moreover, the lack of clear categorization schemes for many indices complicates their interpretation.

Conclusion. The index method, without taking into account the mean values of the original osteometric measurements, cannot serve as the fundamental approach for identifying similarities or differences between osteological series. The undeniable advantages of the index method are its simplicity and convenience. However, it is necessary to work on developing categorization schemes for postcranial skeletal indices using large datasets. The results of comparing the studied series using indices do not contradict the conclusions obtained from the analysis of absolute bone dimensions. The possibility of heterogeneous formation of the two parts of the necropolis is not refuted.

Acknowledgements. The study was conducted under the state assignment of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

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