A Study of the Accuracy and Reliability of Sex Estimation Methods of the Human Pelvis

Abstract

ABSTRACT \nA STUDY OF THE ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF SEX \nESTIMATION METHODS OF THE HUMAN PELVIS \nby \nBrenna Kay Blanchard \nMaster of Arts in Anthropology \nCalifornia State University, Chico \nSpring 2010 \nSex determination is an important first step in the development of a biological \nprofile in human osteology, as methods to estimate other components of the profile \ndepend on sex. The pelvis is the most sexually dimorphic anatomical region due to obstetrical \nrequirements. This thesis tests sex estimation methods for the pelvis from three \nsources to determine rates of reliability and accuracy. The sex estimation methods recommended \nin Buikstra and Ubelaker, the Bruzek method, and the Murphy method were \nevaluated using remains curated at the California State University ??? Chico Human Identification \nLaboratory and the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection at the University \nof Tennessee, Knoxville. \nIntra- and interobserver error studies were performed to test reliability between \ntwo observations by the author and between the author and a second observer. \nxiii \nIntra-rater reliability was high for most traits and combinations of traits. The opposite \nwas the case for inter-rater reliability. Concordance was assessed using Cohen???s kappa \nand paired t-tests. \nAll traits, combinations of traits, and sex determinations for the Buikstra and \nUbelaker and Bruzek methods were statistically significant when compared with biological \nsex. The Murphy method was statistically significant between the sexes. The \nmorphological methods were evaluated using Pearson???s Chi-square and the Murphy \nmethod was assessed using independent samples t-tests. The Bruzek method categorized \na high percentage of individuals as indeterminate. A revised version of the Bruzek \nmethod was proposed, tested, and resulted in a high correct classification rate and low \nerror rate. \nA movement toward standardization is occurring in the forensic sciences, \nwhich includes finding error rates for identification methods. Validation studies are important \nfor the future of the forensic sciences and the process of standardization because \nthey establish the accuracy, reliability and error rates of previously published methods.

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