Stature Estimation
Learning Objectives:
- To understand the biological basis for accurate estimation of living stature from human long bones
- To accurately measure the maximum lengths of each long bone
- To accurately and thoroughly complete the Stature Estimation form
- To accurately enter data into FORDISC 2.0 and calculate stature using the Trotter and Gleser formulae and the Ousley (1995) formulae
- To clearly report and explain your final estimation for stature for each individual evaluated
Assignment:
Working in pairs, or teams of three, measure the maximum length of each long bone present for your case and record each measurement on the Stature Estimate form. Fill out the form as completely as possible, noting where bones are missing or a measurement is not possible. Include any comments or additional observations on the form. Using the measurements you have collected, estimate the living stature using the Trotter and Gleser (Trotter 1970) and Ousley (1995) methods. Final stature estimates for each technique can be calculated using FORDISC 2.0 (Ousley and Jantz 1996). After completing the analysis, write a paragraph summarizing the final stature estimate and the basis for your conclusion.
The second component for this assignment is to practice estimating stature for incomplete long bones. Case HCMEO H287 77-794 has numerous incomplete long bones. Estimate the living stature for this individual using the fragmentary long bone technique presented in Steele and Bramblett (1988:165-170, 229-239). After completing the analysis, write a paragraph summarizing the final stature estimate and the basis for your conclusion. For this segment of the assignment, we would like each group to work independently and not confer with members of any other group.
To Hand In:
- Each group will hand in two completed Stature Estimate forms.
- Each individual will hand in a paragraph summary of the final conclusion.
References Cited:
Ousley, S.D. (1995) Should We Estimate Biological or Forensic Stature? Journal of Forensic Sciences 40:768-773.
Ousley, S.D. and R.L. Jantz (1996) FORDISC 2.0: Personal Computer Forensic Discriminant Functions. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Trotter, M. (1970) Estimation of Stature from Intact Long Bones. In T.D. Stewart (ed.) Personal Identification in Mass Disasters, pp. 71-83. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press.