title: Comparing the Scoring of Human Decomposition from Digital Images to Scoring Using On-site Observations.
abstract: When in forensic casework or empirical research in-person assessment of human decomposition is not possible, the sensible substitution is color photographic images. To date, no research has confirmed the utility of color photographic images as a proxy for in situ observation of the level of decomposition. Sixteen observers scored photographs of 13 human cadavers in varying decomposition stages (PMI 2-186 days) using the Total Body Score system (total n = 929 observations). The on-site TBS was compared with recorded observations from digital color images using a paired samples t-test. The average difference between on-site and photographic observations was -0.20 (t = -1.679, df = 928, p = 0.094). Individually, only two observers, both students with <1 year of experience, demonstrated TBS statistically significantly different than the on-site value, suggesting that with experience, observations of human decomposition based on digital images can be substituted for assessments based on observation of the corpse in situ, when necessary.
authors.affiliation: Anthropology, Southern Illinois University, 1000 Faner DrMail Code 4502, Carbondale, IL, 62901.
authors.forename: Gretchen R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Dabbs
authors.affiliation: Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX.
authors.forename: Joan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bytheway
authors.affiliation: Social and Behavioral Sciences, Mesa State University, 1100 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO, 81506.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Connor
mesh_terms: D000071298:Body Remains; D002102:Cadaver; D018732:Forensic Anthropology; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D015588:Observer Variation; D010781:Photography; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011361:Professional Competence
keywords: data verification; forensic anthropology; forensic science; photographs; taphonomy; visual assessment