Data Base for Forensic Anthropology

• NCJ Number: 111608
• Date Published: 1987
• Author(s): R L Jantz; P H Moore-Jansen
• Length: 118 pages
• Grant Number(s): 85-IJ-CX-0021
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

A computerized data base has been developed for use in human skeletal identification research.

Abstract

The data base contains information obtained from 715 skeletons sent to forensic anthropologists, nearly 500 of which have been identified at least as to race and sex. Documentation for each skeleton consists of sex, race, height, weight, and any additional available information. Measurements and observations from each skeleton have been entered and stored in the data base. The data base is broadly representative of the United States' population as seen by forensic anthropologists. As such, it differs considerably from standard anatomical collections. Forensic skeletons represent younger individuals from a more diverse ethnic background: the sample is 67 percent white, 19 percent black, 6 percent Hispanic, and 3 percent Native American. Metrically, these skeletons are larger and more variable. Metric data have been used to revise sex and race identification standards so that they will be more suitable for forensic practice than those hitherto available. A recording form and an index of variables, files, and screen formats are appended. 23 references. (Author abstract modified)