Gender-Specific Biases in Age Estimation Methods: A Comparative Analysis of Chaillet and Morris Methods in Forensic Anthropology

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Accurate age estimation is crucial in various fields, particularly in forensic and anthropological contexts, where it aids in identification and legal proceedings. However, discrepancies and biases may exist in age estimation methods, necessitating comprehensive evaluation, especially across gender groups. Materials and Methods: This study used ANOVA and t-tests to analyze age estimation data obtained from the Chaillet and Morris methods, alongside actual ages, across male and female groups. Descriptive statistics including mean, median, standard deviation, and range were calculated to provide detailed insights into the distribution of age estimates. Results: ANOVA revealed significant differences in age estimates between the Chaillet and Morris methods, as well as actual ages, for both males and females (P < 0.05). However, t-tests did not indicate statistically significant gender differences in age estimates from either method. Notably, a significant difference was observed in actual ages, with males having lower ages on average than females. Descriptive statistics showed consistent underestimation of actual ages by both estimation methods, with females exhibiting higher actual ages compared with males. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of considering gender-specific biases and variations in age estimation methods. Although the Chaillet and Morris methods may not show significant gender disparities in estimates, they consistently underestimate actual ages, with females having higher actual ages on average. These findings highlight the need for continued refinement and validation of age estimation techniques to ensure accuracy and fairness across diverse populations.