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Bayes' theorem in palaeopathological diagnosis

Byers, S.; Roberts, C.A.

Authors

S. Byers



Abstract

The utility of Bayes' theorem in paleopathological diagnoses is explored. Since this theorem has been used heavily by modern clinical medicine, its usefulness in that field is described first. Next, the mechanics of the theorem are discussed, along with methods for deriving the prior probabilities needed for its application. Following this, the sources of these prior probabilities and their accompanying problems in paleopathology are considered. Finally, an application using prehistoric rib lesions is presented to demonstrate the utility of this method to paleopathology.

Citation

Byers, S., & Roberts, C. (2003). Bayes' theorem in palaeopathological diagnosis. American journal of physical anthropology, 121(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.10164

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Apr 1, 2003
Deposit Date Jul 27, 2009
Journal American Journal of Physical Anthropology
Print ISSN 0002-9483
Electronic ISSN 1096-8644
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 121
Issue 1
Pages 1-9
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.10164
Keywords Paleopathology, Bayes' theorem, Diagnosis.