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Recent research observed 92% accuracy for age-at-death estimations by U.S. forensic anthropologists. The present study compares this case report level accuracy to method level accuracy for the most commonly used methods in U.S. casework, drawing from the Forensic Anthropology Database for Assessing Methods Accuracy (FADAMA). Method application rate (i.e., how often a method is used in casework) was analyzed for n= 641 cases and identified 15 methods with an application rate >45 cases, and the present study focused further analyses on these 15 methods. Of the 15, only four yielded accuracies greater than or equal to the 92% documented for case-report level accuracy. The other 11 methods produced accuracy rates ranging from 54% to 91%, with six of these below 70% This disconnect between highly accurate age estimations at the case report level compared to the poor performance at method level suggests that practitioner interpretation and synthesis of the methods' outcomes is a critical step for increasing the accuracy rates of the age estimations as reported on the final case report. This inference was further supported by the study's results which indicated that practitioner interpretations of frequently used method combinations improve accuracy and age range width of age estimation. The study also performed a Fisher's Exact test to assess whether case report-level accuracy differed with the number of aging methods used in a case, and found no significant differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the functionality, available support, and research capability of the Forensic Anthropology Database for Assessing Methods Accuracy (FADAMA; DOJ DUBX0213). FADAMA is an online repository for case data from identified forensic skeletal cases. The goal of FADAMA is to address the lack of adequate measures for assessing accuracy and reliability of forensic anthropology methods. FADAMA requires users to apply for access with their university or organization credentials. Verified users may upload and download anonymized case data via the user interface, after signing a terms of service agreement outlining ethical behavior. Case data uploads require information about the actual biological profile of the decedent and the forensic anthropology estimations. Uploading case data takes approximately 15–25 min. FADAMA users currently have 85 methods to select from when entering case data, with the capability to add new methods as they are developed. Access to the database is free, and online video tutorials are available for users covering database functionality. Currently, the database houses anonymized case data for over 350 identified cases from across the U.S. Funding has been allocated for a database technician to assist offices with large caseloads to upload cases. As it stands, the database is easy to use, and maintains thoughtful tools to assist users. The power of the database to identify trends in both method accuracy and usage is apparent, and will continue to grow as more cases are added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]