If a forensic anthropologist feels he/she can guess at the occupation of a person from multiple measurements of the skeleton, which of the following data analysis methods would be most helpful to him/her?
A) Decision matrices
B) Range charts
C) Indexes
D) Discriminant functions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discriminant functions are a statistical analysis method that allows for the classification of individuals based on multiple measurements or variables. In this case, a forensic anthropologist could use discriminant functions to analyze measurements of the skeleton to determine the most likely occupation of a person. This method is commonly used in forensic anthropology to make predictions about characteristics such as sex, age, race, and stature from skeletal remains. The other options (decision matrices, range charts, and indexes) are not specifically designed for this type of analysis and would not be as helpful in determining occupation.

If a Forensic Anthropologist Feels He/she Can Guess at the Occupation