Bayes' theorem in palaeopathological diagnosis

Byers, S.; Roberts, C.A.

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.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1565253