NCJ Number
165763
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 865-867
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Discriminant function analysis was conducted using a sample of 30 females and 36 males of European ancestry and 36 females and 36 males of African ancestry to discern sexually dimorphic features of the petrous portion of the temporal bone of the skull.
Abstract
Skulls were sectioned both sagittally and transversely to measure the petrous portion completely. Nine dimensions on both left and right petrous portions were analyzed by discriminant analysis to determine which combination of variables offered the best discriminating power for determining sex. All combinations of variables were attempted to provide the best possible accuracy of sex determination. Results showed that the petrous portion of the temporal bone of the skull frequently survived circumstances that caused skeletal fragmentation and that up to 74 percent accuracy was obtained in determining sex from the petrous portion. The authors conclude that sex determination from the petrous portion is a valuable tool for forensic anthropologists. 11 references, 3 tables, and 1 figure