Journal of Forensic Research

Reliability of Head Shape as a Predictor of Ethnic Group for Forensic and Bioarchaeological Purposes

Abstract

Ahmad Y Abu Dalou* and Abdel-Halim Al-Shiyab

This study aimed to assess head shape as a determinant for ethnic group. A total of 1232 subjects were chosen. Both head length and width were measured. All and their grandparents were born and living in Jordan. The sample was selected from Jordanians, Chechens, and Circassians from both sexes, who all living under the same physical and social environment. Chi-square was used to examine the difference between the observed and expected head shape. This study shows there is a significant difference in head shape across the three ethnic groups at p<.05. But when the association between head shape, an independent category, and ethnic group, and a dependent, one was examined, statistical analysis points to a weak relation between head shape and ethnic group. We conclude that scientists cannot rely on head shape confidently to predict ethnic group in the forensic context.