Evaluating intuitive decision-making in non-metric sex estimation from the cranium: an exploratory study

In recent years, forensic science has seen a rise in the number of multidisciplinary studies examining effect human cognition on evaluation evidence. Notably, House Lords’ report highlighted need for further investigation consequences cognitive factors decision-making processes involved evidence and interpretation. Utilizing concepts intuitive methodical decision-making, this pilot study investigated dichotomy within field anthropology, applied to sex estimation from skull. Participants were asked estimate biological six crania two experiments: once ‘intuitively’ under time-pressure, by rationally applying Acsádi Nemeskéri method with no time-pressure. The potential influence experience its correlation participants’ confidence levels was also explored. results demonstrate that evaluations can be consistent each other, yet consistency decreases as ambiguity increases. Confidence affected more time availability, less level experience. insights exploratory address how are examination skeletal remains offers justification future exploration into value wider theories anthropology.