The Optimized Summed Scored Attributes Method for the Classification of U.S. Blacks and Whites: A Validation Study

• Michael W. Kenyhercz ^[2] ; Alexandra R. Klales ^[3] ; Christopher W. Rainwater ^[4] ; Sara M. Fredette ^[1]
  1. [1] Mercyhurst University

     Mercyhurst University

     City of Erie, Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] University of Tennessee Knoxville TN
  3. [3] University Topeka KS
  4. [4] University New York NY

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• Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 62, Nº. 1, 2017, págs. 174-180
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Recently, Hefner and Ousley (2014) introduced the optimized summed scored attributes (OSSA) method that maximizes between-group differences in U.S. black and white populations by dichotomizing six cranial morphoscopic trait scores. This study tests OSSA using an independent skeletal sample (Hamann-Todd, n = 208) and positively identified forensic cases (Mercyhurst University, n = 28, and New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, n = 38). An evaluation of trait frequencies suggests shifting the heuristically selected sectioning point separating U.S. black and white populations from ≤ 3to≤ 4. We found a total correct classification of 73.0% (B = 50.9%, W = 89.2%) using the originally suggested sectioning point of ≤3, while the total correct classification increases to 79.2% (B = 80.2%,W = 78.5%) with a modified sectioning point of ≤4. With the increased total correct classification and reduced classification bias between ancestry groups, we suggest the modified sectioning point of ≤4 be used when assessing ancestry in forensic unknowns