Incorrect formula for calculation of likelihood ratios used in forensic anthropology: Comments on Scott & Rogers (2026)

Abstract

Scott & Rogers (2026) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112673 promotes the use of the likelihood-ratioframework in forensic anthropology. This is welcome. Unfortunately, Scott & Rogers (2026) uses an incorrectformula for the calculation of likelihood ratios. This incorrect formula did not originate in Scott & Rogers (2026).It has, for some time, been used in the forensic anthropology literature; an earlier occurrence appears inSteadman et al. (2006) https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.20393. Scott & Rogers (2026) also uses confusing languageand mathematical notation that are non-standard compared to the norms of the forensic-inference-and-statisticsliterature. This letter to the editor is offered in the hope that it will help prevent repetition of these problems.