Shifting paradigms in facial approximation

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

The twenty-first century is marked by the need for a paradigm shift within the forensic sciences. Techniques reliant on untested assumptions and subjective judgement should be replaced by robust methods based on relevant data, quantitative measurements, and statistical models. Traditionally, facial approximation has experienced targeted scepticism due to its reliance on visual
arts, conflicting or limited and often fragmented guidelines, history with overconfident claims in accuracy, no error measurements, and insufficient validation testing. Despite these limitations, facial approximation has demonstrated relevance in raising the public profile and supporting successful recognition during unidentified person inquiries. Following a scoping review on current practice, this paper confronts lasting issues with existing guidelines and proposes potential solutions. A streamlined approach to protocol selection is needed, with improved accessibility to relevant supporting guidelines that effectively report method reliability and error margins. Given challenges in biological profile estimation, a call for a globalised approximation model determined by skull morphometrics is needed for adult and subadult individuals. Potential variances in sex, population, and age categories needs to be carefully scrutinised to determine true accounts of practical significance and to ensure influences from study design and sampling error are mitigated. Though developments in facial soft tissue thickness data are recognised, feature prediction protocols have not received the same level of attention and are notably lacking for subadults. There is furthermore a need for more transparent and reproduceable protocols that are intrinsically resistant to cognitive bias that follow a logical framework that has been calibrated and validated.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 20 Mar 2024
Event93rd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Biological Anthropologists - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: 20 Mar 202423 Mar 2024
Conference number: 93
https://bioanth.org/meetings-and-webinars/93rd-annual-meeting-los-angeles-california-2024/

Conference

Conference93rd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Biological Anthropologists
Abbreviated title93rd Annual Meeting of the AABA
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period20/03/2423/03/24
Internet address

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