This study evaluates the reliability of osteometric data commonly used in forensic case analyses, with specific reference to the measurements in Data Collection Procedures 2.0 (DCP 2.0). Four observers took a set of 99 measurements four... more
This study evaluates the reliability of osteometric data commonly used in forensic case analyses, with specific reference to the measurements in Data Collection Procedures 2.0 (DCP 2.0). Four observers took a set of 99 measurements four times on a sample of 50 skeletons (each measurement was taken 200 times by each observer). Two-way mixed ANOVAs and repeated measures ANOVAs with pairwise comparisons were used to examine interobserver (between-subjects) and intraobserver (within-subjects) variability. Relative technical error of measurement (TEM) was calculated for measurements with significant ANOVA results to examine the error among a single observer repeating a measurement multiple times (e.g. repeatability or intraobserver error), as well as the variability between multiple observers (interobserver error). Two general trends emerged from these analyses: (1) maximum lengths and breadths have the lowest error across the board (TEM < 0.5), and (2) maximum and minimum diameters at midshaft are more reliable than their positionally-dependent counterparts (i.e. sagittal, vertical, transverse, dorso-volar). Therefore, maxima and minima are specified for all midshaft measurements in DCP 2.0. Twenty-two measurements were flagged for excessive variability (either interobserver, intraobserver, or both); 15 of these measurements were part of the standard set of measurements in Data Collection Procedures for Forensic Skeletal Material, 3rd edition. Each measurement was examined carefully to determine the likely source of the error (e.g. data input, instrumentation, observer’s method, or measurement definition). For several measurements (e.g. anterior sacral breadth, distal epiphyseal breadth of the tibia) only one observer differed significantly from the remaining observers, indicating a likely problem with the measurement definition as interpreted by that observer; these definitions were clarified in DCP 2.0 to eliminate this confusion. Other measurements were taken from landmarks that are difficult to locate consistently (e.g. pubis length, ischium length); these measurements were omitted from DCP 2.0. This manual is available for free download online (https://fac.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DCP20_webversion.pdf), along with an accompanying instructional video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v = BtkLFl3vim4).
Cranial and postcranial research on East and Southeast Asians has shown population variability between and within these two regions. Moreover, as populations vary by sex, sex differences vary by population. The purpose of this study is to... more
Cranial and postcranial research on East and Southeast Asians has shown population variability between and within these two regions. Moreover, as populations vary by sex, sex differences vary by population. The purpose of this study is to provide the first descriptive and comparative analysis of two recently curated samples of complete, documented, contemporary skeletons from Thailand (N=104) and Hong Kong (N=94) that have not been previously studied. Sex differences reveal Hong Kong males and females as larger but less dimorphic than Thais. Stepwise discriminant function analysis of the Thai humerus and femur allowed 94%-96% sex classification accuracy. In conclusion, this research has increased our knowledge of sex and population differences in Asia and has important applications to demographic and medicolegal investigations.
This paper is the first of two that explore sex estimation based on metric measurements of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. Use of measurement-based sex estimation methods is often essential when skeletal remains are fragmentary;... more
This paper is the first of two that explore sex estimation based on metric measurements of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. Use of measurement-based sex estimation methods is often essential when skeletal remains are fragmentary; however, metric techniques are prone to error as a result of several biases, notably population differences in body size and skeletal proportions. In addition, many commonly used metric equations, created using "modern" (c. 19th and 20th century) population samples, have not been validated for use with ancient Egyptians, and few population-specific equations exist. The study sample consists of 318 adult individuals, each represented by either a complete skeleton (n=162) or an isolated cranium (n=156). The majority of individuals date to Old Kingdom (n=106) or Late Period (n=154) Giza. In addition, 43 individuals date to Predynastic Period Keneh, 13 individuals to Middle Kingdom Sheikh Farag, and two individuals to Rames-side Period Thebes. The sex of each individual was estimated using standard morphological methods. A total of 63 skeletal dimensions, or as many as it was possible to obtain, were measured for each individual in the sample. Testing of 12 " modern " metric sex estimation methods revealed total weighted accuracy rates as low as 30–40%; many of the methods were exceptionally poor at estimating the sex of males. Population-specific metric equations created by other researchers produced total accuracy rates ranging from 78–100% when tested on the study sample. The results of this study, the first to test "modern" metric sex estimation methods on ancient Egyptian skeletons, demonstrate that three methods can be applied to this population. This finding is of importance for all researchers currently engaged in excavation projects in Egypt, who require sex estimation methods that have been tested and validated for use in ancient Egyptian samples.
Many techniques in forensic anthropology employ osteometric data, although little work has been done to investigate the intrinsic error in these measurements. These data were collected to quantify the reliability of osteometric data used... more
Many techniques in forensic anthropology employ osteometric data, although little work has been done to investigate the intrinsic error in these measurements. These data were collected to quantify the reliability of osteometric data used in forensic anthropology research and case analyses. Osteometric data (n ¼ 99 measurements) were collected on a random sample of William M. Bass Donated Collection skeletons (n ¼ 50 skeletons). Four observers measured the left elements of 50 skeletons. After the complete dataset of 99 measurements was collected on each of the 50 skeletons, each observer repeated the process for a total of four rounds. The raw data is available on Mendeley Data (DCP Osteo-metric Data,
Abstract: This thesis investigates the demographics of paleo-populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as a means of testing the hypothesis that this species was domesticated or managed as a vital cultural and economic... more
Abstract: This thesis investigates the demographics of paleo-populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as a means of testing the hypothesis that this species was domesticated or managed as a vital cultural and economic resource by the ancient Maya in Mesoamerica. To do so it employs a set of standardized bone measurements derived from a modern population and compares them with 1100 deer bone samples recovered by archaeologists from Maya sites dating from 450 B.C. to the late 16th century. These measurements were also applied to modern white-tailed deer specimens representing a discrete population from south eastern Florida of know age, and sex, for use as a baseline. The recorded measurements were used for side by side comparisons and to generate log ratios testing population stature and sexual dimorphism represented in the archaeological materials. Changes in deer stature and mortality profile over time are examined and tested against standard methods for the detection of herd management strategies, that may potentially reveal deer domestication or resource management. Pathologies common to white-tailed deer are identified and their potential for assessing the ontological age of mature deer is investigated. The results show variations in white-tailed deer stature over time and space, suggesting dynamic alterations in prey selection that may be reflective of changes in Maya social complexity.
Since the mid-1990’s, osteometrics have been a major aspect in forensic anthropology. However, recent evidence has shown that practitioners have been using differing points to establish certain measurements; namely those involving the... more
Since the mid-1990’s, osteometrics have been a major aspect in forensic anthropology. However, recent evidence has shown that practitioners have been using differing points to establish certain measurements; namely those involving the clavicle, scapula, ulna, femur, and tibia. Engaging 61 practitioners, this study examined and confirmed how extensive this discord is. The highest consistency rate among practitioners was the scapular breadth (62.3%), followed by the femoral antero-posterior subtrochanteric diameter (55%). All other levels fell below these, particularly the physiological length of the ulna which was the most inconsistently measured bone. Furthermore, these low consistency rates yielded percent mean differences between two and 20% of the measurement length, with ranges averaging 14 mm. In light of these results, it is recommended that the field take steps to improve the standardization of such problematic measurements, including reexamining all measurements currently listed in osteometric texts, reassessing the utility of each, and reissuing a comprehensive guide.
Recently, standard measurements for the Forensic Databank have been changed to measure the diameters of the tibia at the midshaft, rather than at the nutrient foramen. This change may be predicated on intra-person variation in nutrient... more
Recently, standard measurements for the Forensic Databank have been changed to measure the diameters of the tibia at the midshaft, rather than at the nutrient foramen. This change may be predicated on intra-person variation in nutrient foramen location and inaccuracy of inter-observer measurement location.
This examination assesses the accuracy of determining sex from the two measuring locations - is there a significant advantage to using measurements collected at the midshaft instead of or in addition to nutrient foramen based measurements?
Tibial measurements of 400 individuals were collected from the Robert Terry Anatomical Skeletal Collection following the standard osteometric protocols. Data were randomly divided into testing and training sets. Discriminant functions were created in “R” statistical package using left side measurements from the training set. The derived discriminant functions were applied to left only and then left and right measurements in the testing set. Maximum length and proximal and distal epiphyseal breadth, were included in all analyses.
Results indicate that proximal and distal epiphyseal breadths were consistently good predictors. Maximum medial-lateral measurement from the crest was a better sex predictor (91.5% correct versus 90% correct). Midshaft minimum diameter and circumference measurements were good sex predictors (88% correct). Combined nutrient foramen and midshaft measurements lost no accuracy (89% correct).
The results from this study indicate there is no significant advantage of sex determination based on measurements taken at the nutrient foramen compared to those taken at the midshaft.
This paper is the second of two that explore metric sex estimation of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. The purpose of the study is to create metric sex estimation methods that are specific to ancient Egyptians, and to ensure the methods... more
This paper is the second of two that explore metric sex estimation of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. The purpose of the study is to create metric sex estimation methods that are specific to ancient Egyptians, and to ensure the methods will be of value to other researchers by testing them on a dissimilar sample from the same population. The population-specific methods were created using a reference sample consisting of 318 adult individuals. The majority of individuals were recovered from cemeteries in Giza, which date to the Old Kingdom (n=106) or the Late Period (n=154). In addition, 43 individuals date to Predynastic Period Keneh, 13 individuals to Middle Kingdom Sheikh Farag, and two individuals to Ramesside Period Thebes. Sex was estimated using standard morphological techniques. Discriminant function analysis with a stepwise approach was used to create the metric methods. The test sample consists of the skeletal remains of 119 (81 male, 38 female) adult individuals recovered from the Saqqara-West cemetery site. This site consists of burials dated to both the late Old Kingdom (n=28) and the Ptolemaic Period (n=91). The results of this test demonstrate that a number of the population-specific methods presented herein might be of value to other researchers working in Egypt, provided their sample derives from the same time period(s) and geographic locations as the reference and test samples used in this study.
is paper is the first of two that explore sex estimation based on metric measurements of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. Use of measurement-based sex estimation methods is often essential when skeletal remains are fragmentary; however,... more
is paper is the first of two that explore sex estimation based on metric measurements of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. Use of measurement-based sex estimation methods is often essential when skeletal remains are fragmentary; however, metric techniques are prone to error as a result of several biases, notably population differences in body size and skeletal proportions. In addition, many commonly used metric equations, created using “modern” (c. 19 and 20 century) population samples, have not been validated for use with ancient Egyptians, and few population-specific equations exist. e study sample consists of 318 adult individuals, each represented by either a complete skeleton (n=162) or an isolated cranium (n=156). e majority of individuals date to Old Kingdom (n=106) or Late Period (n=154) Giza. In addition, 43 individuals date to Predynastic Period Keneh, 13 individuals to Middle Kingdom Sheikh Farag, and two individuals to Ramesside Period ebes. e sex of each indivi...
Many techniques in forensic anthropology employ osteometric data, although little work has been done to investigate the intrinsic error in these measurements. These data were collected to quantify the reliability of osteometric data used... more
Many techniques in forensic anthropology employ osteometric data, although little work has been done to investigate the intrinsic error in these measurements. These data were collected to quantify the reliability of osteometric data used in forensic anthropology research and case analyses. Osteometric data (n ¼ 99 measurements) were collected on a random sample of William M. Bass Donated Collection skeletons (n ¼ 50 skeletons). Four observers measured the left elements of 50 skeletons. After the complete dataset of 99 measurements was collected on each of the 50 skeletons, each observer repeated the process for a total of four rounds. The raw data is available on Mendeley Data (DCP Osteo-metric Data,
is paper is the second of two that explore metric sex estimation of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. e purpose of the study is to create metric sex estimation methods that are specific to ancient Egyptians, and to ensure the methods... more
is paper is the second of two that explore metric sex estimation of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. e purpose of the study is to create metric sex estimation methods that are specific to ancient Egyptians, and to ensure the methods will be of value to other researchers by testing them on a dissimilar sample from the same population. e population-specific methods were created using a reference sample consisting of 318 adult individuals. e majority of individuals were recovered from cemeteries in Giza, which date to the Old Kingdom (n=106) or the Late Period (n=154). In addition, 43 individuals date to Predynastic Period Keneh, 13 individuals to Middle Kingdom Sheikh Farag, and two individuals to Ramesside Period ebes. Sex was estimated using standard morphological techniques. Discriminant function analysis with a stepwise approach was used to create the metric methods. e test sample consists of the skeletal remains of 119 (81 male, 38 female) adult individuals recovered from ...
is paper is the second of two that explore metric sex estimation of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. e purpose of the study is to create metric sex estimation methods that are specific to ancient Egyptians, and to ensure the methods... more
is paper is the second of two that explore metric sex estimation of ancient Egyptian human skeletons. e purpose of the study is to create metric sex estimation methods that are specific to ancient Egyptians, and to ensure the methods will be of value to other researchers by testing them on a dissimilar sample from the same population. e population-specific methods were created using a reference sample consisting of 318 adult individuals. e majority of individuals were recovered from cemeteries in Giza, which date to the Old Kingdom (n=106) or the Late Period (n=154). In addition, 43 individuals date to Predynastic Period Keneh, 13 individuals to Middle Kingdom Sheikh Farag, and two individuals to Ramesside Period ebes. Sex was estimated using standard morphological techniques. Discriminant function analysis with a stepwise approach was used to create the metric methods. e test sample consists of the skeletal remains of 119 (81 male, 38 female) adult individuals recovered from ...
This thesis investigates the demographics of paleo-populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as a means of testing the hypothesis that this species was domesticated or managed as a vital cultural and economic resource by... more
This thesis investigates the demographics of paleo-populations of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as a means of testing the hypothesis that this species was domesticated or managed as a vital cultural and economic resource by the ancient Maya in Mesoamerica. To do so it employs a set of standardized bone measurements derived from a modern population and compares them with 1100 deer bone samples recovered by archaeologists from Maya sites dating from 450 B.C. to the late 16th century. These measurements were also applied to modern white-tailed deer specimens representing a discrete population from south eastern Florida of know age, and sex, for use as a baseline. The recorded measurements were used for side by side comparisons and to generate log ratios testing population stature and sexual dimorphism represented in the archaeological materials. Changes in deer stature and mortality profile over time are examined and tested against standard methods for the detection of her...
Since the mid-1990s, osteometrics have been a major aspect in forensic anthropology. However, recent evidence has shown that practitioners have been using differing points to establish certain measurements; namely those involving the... more
Since the mid-1990s, osteometrics have been a major aspect in forensic anthropology. However, recent evidence has shown that practitioners have been using differing points to establish certain measurements; namely those involving the clavicle, scapula, ulna, femur, and tibia. Engaging 61 practitioners, this study examined and confirmed how extensive this discord is. The highest consistency rate among practitioners was the scapular breadth (62.3%), followed by the femoral anteroposterior subtrochanteric diameter (55%). All other levels fell below these, particularly the physiological length of the ulna which was the most inconsistently measured bone. Furthermore, these low consistency rates yielded percent mean differences between two and 20% of the measurement length, with ranges averaging 14 mm. In light of these results, it is recommended that the field take steps to improve the standardization of such problematic measurements, including reexamining all measurements currently listed in osteometric texts, reassessing the utility of each, and reissuing a comprehensive guide.
Recently, forensic anthropology has undergone a major shift to quantitative methodologies, including the standardization of osteometric measurements. This study is an analysis of inter-observer error rates for eight... more
Recently, forensic anthropology has undergone a major shift to quantitative methodologies, including the standardization of osteometric measurements. This study is an analysis of inter-observer error rates for eight "standardized" cranial measurements. Thirty participants, of varied experience, were asked to note the location of landmarks used in each measurement, and to record the resulting measurement. None of the tested measurements met the previously established 80% consensus rate necessary to be considered "standardized-in-practice" [1]. The highest consensus rate was that of nasal breadth (67.9%), followed by that of the mastoid height (57.1%). This low precision yielded percent mean differences of 2-48% of the total measurement, with range differences of up to 42mm. These results indicate that the field should take steps to improve osteometric standardization, including re-examining all measurements currently listed in osteometric canon and re-issuing a co...
We studied 36 dogs (Canis familiaris) from the Can Roqueta site in the Catalan pre-littoral depression (Barcelona), dated between the Late Bronze Age and the First Iron Age (1300 and 550 cal BC). We used a sample of 27 specimens to... more
We studied 36 dogs (Canis familiaris) from the Can Roqueta site in the Catalan pre-littoral depression (Barcelona), dated between the Late Bronze Age and the First Iron Age (1300 and 550 cal BC). We used a sample of 27 specimens to analyse the evolution of the dogs’ diet based on the carbon δ13C and nitrogen δ15N isotope composition. The results show a marked human influence in that these natural carnivores display a highly plant-based diet. The offset between canids and herbivorous ungulates does not reach the minimum established for a trophic level, which implies an input of C3 and C4 (millet) cultivated plants. Moreover, the homogeneity in the values indicates that humans prepared their dogs’ food.
This study evaluates the reliability of osteometric data commonly used in forensic case analyses, with specific reference to the measurements in Data Collection Procedures 2.0 (DCP 2.0). Four observers took a set of 99 measurements four... more
This study evaluates the reliability of osteometric data commonly used in forensic case analyses, with specific reference to the measurements in Data Collection Procedures 2.0 (DCP 2.0). Four observers took a set of 99 measurements four times on a sample of 50 skeletons (each measurement was taken 200 times by each observer). Two-way mixed ANOVAs and repeated measures ANOVAs with pairwise comparisons were used to examine interobserver (between-subjects) and intraobserver (within-subjects) variability. Relative technical error of measurement (TEM) was calculated for measurements with significant ANOVA results to examine the error among a single observer repeating a measurement multiple times (e.g. repeatability or intraobserver error), as well as the variability between multiple observers (interobserver error). Two general trends emerged from these analyses: (1) maximum lengths and breadths have the lowest error across the board (TEM<0.5), and (2) maximum and minimum diameters at ...
This study evaluates the reliability of osteometric data commonly used in forensic case analyses, with specific reference to the measurements in Data Collection Procedures 2.0 (DCP 2.0). Four observers took a set of 99 measurements four... more
This study evaluates the reliability of osteometric data commonly used in forensic case analyses, with specific reference to the measurements in Data Collection Procedures 2.0 (DCP 2.0). Four observers took a set of 99 measurements four times on a sample of 50 skeletons (each measurement was taken 200 times by each observer). Two-way mixed ANOVAs and repeated measures ANOVAs with pairwise comparisons were used to examine interobserver (between-subjects) and intraobserver (within-subjects) variability. Relative technical error of measurement (TEM) was calculated for measurements with significant ANOVA results to examine the error among a single observer repeating a measurement multiple times (e.g. repeatability or intraobserver error), as well as the variability between multiple observers (interobserver error). Two general trends emerged from these analyses: (1) maximum lengths and breadths have the lowest error across the board (TEM < 0.5), and (2) maximum and minimum diameters a...
We studied 36 dogs (Canis familiaris) from the Can Roqueta site in the Catalan pre-littoral depression (Barcelona), dated between the Late Bronze Age and the First Iron Age (1300 and 550 cal BC). We used a sample of 27 specimens to... more
We studied 36 dogs (Canis familiaris) from the Can Roqueta site in the Catalan pre-littoral depression (Barcelona), dated between the Late Bronze Age and the First Iron Age (1300 and 550 cal BC). We used a sample of 27 specimens to analyse the evolution of the dogs’ diet based on the carbon δ13C and nitrogen δ15N isotope composition. The results show a marked human influence in that these natural carnivores display a highly plant-based diet. The offset between canids and herbivorous ungulates does not reach the minimum established for a trophic level, which implies an input of C3 and C4 (millet) cultivated plants. Moreover, the homogeneity in the values indicates that humans prepared their dogs’ food. J World Prehist 34, 75–119 (2021)
Recently, forensic anthropology has undergone a major shift to quantitative methodologies, including the standardization of osteometric measurements. This study is an analysis of inter-observer error rates for eight “standardized” cranial... more
Recently, forensic anthropology has undergone a major shift to quantitative methodologies, including the standardization of osteometric measurements. This study is an analysis of inter-observer error rates for eight “standardized” cranial measurements. Thirty participants, of varied experience, were asked to note the location of landmarks used in each measurement, and to record the resulting measurement. None of the tested measurements met the previously established 80% consensus rate necessary to be considered “standardized-in-practice” [1]. The highest consensus rate was that of nasal breadth (67.9%), followed by that of the mastoid height (57.1%). This low precision yielded percent mean differences of 2-48% of the total measurement, with range differences of up to 42 mm. These results indicate that the field should take steps to improve osteometric standardization, including re-examining all measurements currently listed in osteometric canon and re-issuing a comprehensive guide.
Since the 1990’s, the discipline of forensic anthropology has gone from relying on qualitative approaches to emphasizing quantitative methodologies. As part of this, the field engaged in a standardization of osteometric measurements... more
Since the 1990’s, the discipline of forensic anthropology has gone from relying on qualitative approaches to emphasizing quantitative methodologies. As part of this, the field engaged in a standardization of osteometric measurements ensuring that practitioners were measuring from the same two points thus reducing variation. However, a recent study by the authors has demonstrated that there is marked variation in how postcranial elements are measured. Engaging 30 practitioners this study employed a survey to examine and confirm how extensive this discord is in selected craniometric measurements. The results of this study found that none of the tested measurements met the 80% consensus rate needed to be considered “standardized-in-practice.” Specifically, the highest consensus rate was that of nasal breadth at 67.9%, followed by that of the mastoid height (57.1%). All other consensus levels fell far below these, particularly those pertaining to the orbital breadths which was the most inconsistently measured area of the viscerocranium. Furthermore, these low consensus rates yielded PMDs of between two and 48% of the overall measurement, with measurement range differences up to 42 mm. In light of these results, coupled with the previous study, it is recommended that the field take steps to improve the standardization of such problematic measurements, including re-examining all measurements currently listed in osteometric texts, reassessing the utility of each, and reissuing a comprehensive guide.
