Overview
Topic status: In progress
This project considers an application of forensic statistics, in this particular instance, the use of shape analysis in determining age at death. The pubic symphysis, the cartilaginous joint uniting the left and right pubic bones, is commonly used in determining age at death, especially in instances where only partial skeletal remains are available. This is because the hip bone, where the pubic symphysis is located, is more likely to be present; its size and weight typically deter scavengers from removing the bone from the nearby location of the deceased body. Statistical shape analysis applied with the Suchey-Brooks pubic symphysis scoring system will be used in age-at-death determination
Research activities
- Data cleansing
- Initial statistical investigation of the data.
Expected Outcomes
Data analysis reportDuration of project
6 weeks, December 2011and January 2012
Number of hours
42 hours total
- Study level
- Vacation research experience scholarship
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Keywords
- pubic bone age, shape analysis, bone age
- Contact
-
For more information please contact Dr. Helen Thompson.
Dr Helen Thompson
