What Is a Craniologic Analyst?
Craniologic research is a field of study that focuses on the shapes, sizes and proportions of the skulls and facial features among human races. Craniologic analysts study and analyze topics within this field. Anthropologists and sociologists also find craniology a critical area of medical research.
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Job Description
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Craniologic analysts conduct in-depth research into the structure of the skull. They use measurements and scientific research to provide insights regarding the skull and brain functions. In particular, they study the evolution of the skull as humans developed throughout time. They also research how the evolution of the skull impacted the way humans lived and survived.
Projects
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Craniologic analysts have many potential topic areas to study. One debate that has been raging in the field is over the variation between Neanderthal skulls and human skulls. The debate really centers around how much difference exists between the two and what effect it had on the eventual dominance of Homo sapiens. Another project compares the different skull sizes between sexes of humans versus the different skull sizes of genders of other animal species.
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Where to Find Such Experts
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Craniologic analysts primarily work at research institutions such as universities and museums. Experts in the field can also be found at some medical firms that need the knowledge for their products. Anthropologists and evolutionary biologists might be experts in this field as well without the explicit title.
History
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Craniology was originally used to reinforce racist stereotypes. Practitioners would measure the skulls of different races to "prove" superiority or inferiority. The practice started in the 19th century, and continued for sometime into the 20th century. However, these race-based theories have now been disproved, and early forms of craniology are considered more of a pseudoscience. Well-respected anthropologists and sociologists no longer subscribe to those theories.
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References
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