The mean measure of divergence: its utility in model-free and model-bound analyses relative to the Mahalanobis D(2) distance for nonmetric traits

American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council
J D Irish

Abstract

The mean measure of divergence (MMD) distance statistic has been used by researchers for nearly 50 years to assess inter-sample phenetic affinity. Its widespread and often successful use is well documented, especially in the study of cranial and dental nonmetric traits. However, the statistic has accumulated some undesired mathematical baggage through the years from various workers in their attempts to improve or alter its performance. Others may not fully understand how to apply the MMD or interpret its output, whereas some described a number of perceived shortcomings. As a result, the statistic and its sometimes flawed application(s) have taken several well-aimed hits; a few researchers even argued that it should no longer be utilized or, at least, that its use be reevaluated. The objective of this report is to support the MMD, and in the process: (1) provide a brief history of the statistic, (2) review its attributes and applicability relative to the often-used Mahalanobis D(2) statistic for nonmetric traits, (3) compare results from MMD and D(2) model-free analyses of previously-recorded sub-Saharan African dental samples, and (4) investigate its utility for model-bound analyses. In the latter instance, the ability of the D...Continue Reading

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Citations

Sep 7, 2013·Homo : internationale Zeitschrift für die vergleichende Forschung am Menschen·F Alsoleihat, A Khraisat
Jan 25, 2017·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Alla A Movsesian, Varvara Yu Bakholdina
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Jan 21, 2015·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Corey S Ragsdale, Heather J H Edgar
May 3, 2014·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Joel D IrishRebecca Rogers Ackermann
Sep 2, 2014·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Alla A MovsesianDenis V Pezhemsky
Oct 10, 2013·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Christina Torres-RouffMark Hubbe
Oct 19, 2013·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Alla A Movsesian
Oct 1, 2019·American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council·Joel D Irish
Jan 10, 2018·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Elizabeth Weiss
Jun 20, 2015·American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council·Andrea CucinaThelma Sierra Sosa
Oct 13, 2017·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Frédéric Santos
Dec 26, 2018·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Miguel DelgadoAndres Ruiz-Linares
Jul 16, 2015·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Andrew R ThompsonPhilip A Slater
Apr 11, 2020·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Alla A MovsesianHasmik G Simonyan
Jun 12, 2021·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Daniel FidalgoVeronica Wesolowski
Jun 12, 2018·Journal of Human Evolution·Joel D IrishLee R Berger

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