Abstract
Introduction. The concept of norm belongs to the basic concepts of medicine. Only a thorough knowledge of the norm allows for differentiating the presence of abnormalities in the structure and functions of organs and systems, providing the possibility of their early diagnosis and effective correction.
The aim of our work was to clarify factors influencing the formation of the concept of norm, trends in its study in medical practice and the probability of independent research results. The approach to norm as a constant cannot be applied unambiguously in today’s realities. Normative indicators differ significantly for different groups of people; exogenous and endogenous factors influence them. Clarifying the indicators of the individual norm became possible due to the latest methods of radiological examination. Are such examinations safe and objective, how necessary are they, and what is the practical significance of their results? Multidimensional statistics have been developing rapidly over the last decade. The individual variability of each organism leads to significant variations in numerical indicators within the sample, which may ultimately cause different researchers to obtain completely different results when using various statistical methods. How to prevent their misinterpretation, fabrication and falsification? Another scientific research problem is “subconscious” plagiarism, which is based on random imitation or coincidence of an idea or discovery. It is almost impossible to avoid it because every new invention appears due to using previous experience. Approaching the problem of norm in terms of the concept of individual variability, we consider it appropriate and reasonable to develop not only age but also regional, constitutional, somatotypical, etc. normative indicators for people of each sex, as well as the need for its recurrent updating, clarification and supplementation, taking into account new data obtained by using the capabilities of modern methods of examination, diagnosis, and statistical analysis.