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    Statistical Concepts Series

    Measurement of Observer Agreement

    Published Online:Aug 1 2003https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2282011860

    Abstract

    Statistical measures are described that are used in diagnostic imaging for expressing observer agreement in regard to categorical data. The measures are used to characterize the reliability of imaging methods and the reproducibility of disease classifications and, occasionally with great care, as the surrogate for accuracy. The review concentrates on the chance-corrected indices, κ and weighted κ. Examples from the imaging literature illustrate the method of calculation and the effects of both disease prevalence and the number of rating categories. Other measures of agreement that are used less frequently, including multiple-rater κ, are referenced and described briefly.

    © RSNA, 2003

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    Article History

    Published in print: Aug 2003