Assessment of the comparability of human facial dimensions obtained using direct anthropological measurements and photographs

Abstract

Introduction. This research examines and evaluates the comparability of a specific set of anthropometric measurements of facial features obtained through direct measurements and frontal portrait photographs. With the growing trend towards utilizing photography instead of direct measurements, the question of the convergence and comparability between these two methods has become increasingly significant. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on a sample population of Chuvash individuals, who represent the indigenous population in the Chuvash Republic of the Russian Federation. The material for the study comprised cephalometric data and anthropological photographs of individuals from the Chuvash Republic, surveyed during the 2002 expedition under the guidance of V.A. Batsevich. The sample size consisted of 72 individuals, with 35 women and 37 men. Prior to statistical analysis, the male and female participants were divided into two age groups to account for potential age-related variations. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS software package, applying Cronbach's alpha method. Results. In this study, gender differences were identified for a range of anthropometric indicators, demonstrating high convergence when employing two facial measurement methods. The obtained values of dimensions were generally comparable in terms of reliability and consistency. Conclusion. The research has revealed that the method of obtaining linear facial dimensions from portraits can serve as an analog/alternative to direct anthropometric measurements. In men, latitudinal dimensions are better correlated with each other, whereas in women they are high-altitude. The obtained results align well with existing data on this topic, highlighting the potential viability of facial portrait-based measurements in anthropometric studies.