Moscow University
Anthropology
Bulletin
Anthropology
Bulletin
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Moscow
The article is aimed at studying covariability of quantitative traits and represents a sequel of works on adaptive variability, which represents the main subject of study in physiological and ecological anthropology. In the first part of the article the history of the problem and the statistical and biological aspects of correlation analysis are discussed. The second part will focus on the value of the method in studying adaptability of modern human populations. Correlation analysis, despite the seeming simplicity of the concept and conventionalism of the method, is not always used in accordance with the rules and without attempts for biological interpretation. Therefore the article succinctly and with appropriate references provides the necessary information on the subject of correlative variability, which primarily will be useful for researchers who do not have special anthropological education. Only the intra-group rectilinear connection of two quantitative traits with continuous variability is discussed. Though the correlation analysis has been widely used, the question of causal conditionality of correlation is controversial. For the correct performance of correlation analysis and following interpretation of the results obtained, it is important to be clear about the objective of the study. In conclusion rules are formulated, which should be followed in order to avoid incorrect application of the method.
ecological, physiological, anthropology; correlation analysis; correlation coefficient
Цит.: Goodkova L.K. The correlation analysis and its significance in ecological anthropology. Part 1 // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2017; 3/2017; с. 27-35
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