NCJ Number
183206
Journal
Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2000 Pages: 13-22
Editor(s)
B. Yamashita
Date Published
2000
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Number styles from 186 writers were classified and the frequency of occurrence of each style was determined in order to assess the significance of number styles in forensic document analysis.
Abstract
Samples for the study consisted of time sheets from staff at Canada's Centre of Forensic Sciences and math questionnaires completed by University of Toronto students in casual settings. To maintain consistency and prevent examiner error, all samples were classified one numeral at a time. To account for intra-writer variation when more than one number style was found, it was decided to record number styles with a 25 percent frequency, with a minimum of 8 number forms. Statistical analysis was applied to determine the frequency of occurrence of individual number styles, connected numbers, multiple styles, combinations of common styles, and rare styles. Results showed uncommon occurrences included connected styles, as well as more than one style per writer for the numbers 1, 6, 7, and 9. Styles that were rarely observed in combination and those that were commonly combined were identified. More specifically, the numbers 0 and 5 had the most variability and were commonly combined with other styles. Common styles that were rarely or never seen in combination included those for 7 and 8. The author concludes the analysis of number styles can help establish a database to support handwriting examinations involving numbers. An appendix contains style guidelines for the classification of numbers 0 to 9. 9 references and 3 tables