Consensus Obtained in a Delphi Study of Shoe Wear Pattern Experiences Amongst Podiatrists

• NCJ Number: 198539
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 53 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2003 Pages: 15-41
• Author(s): Wesley Vernon; Anne Parry; Mike Potter
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses a study of shoe wear patterns among podiatrists.

Abstract

It is believed that certain foot conditions create characteristic shoe wear patterns. Shoe wear patterns could have value in forensic identification. This study was conducted among podiatrists regarding shoe wear patterns using the Delphi technique. The Delphi technique is a research method involving several rounds of questionnaires designed to produce consensus among a group of experts. The results of each previous round are statistically presented to the participating experts that can then evaluate and modify their responses. The first round of questionnaire was designed to capture experienced podiatrists’ knowledge of characteristic wear pattern associations with known foot pathologies. A second round was carried out in which the round one results were presented to the participating podiatrists for consideration. A third round questionnaire was distributed to the same podiatrists that had participated in the previous rounds. Respondents were asked to show which associations they would disagree with in addition to those that they supported. Responses suggested that the Delphi had reached a natural conclusion by showing that pattern relationships had been accepted, rejected, or had reached a static level of agreement that had not changed significantly from the previous round. It was concluded that the use of shoe wear patterns in forensic identification of named pathologies may be problematical. If characteristic wear patterns do not exist, then wear patterns may not be able to be interpreted in isolation. If wide wear pattern variations do exist, some wear pattern associations may suggest stronger individuality, thereby enhancing their identification value. If shoe wear patterns relate to a functional cause, it may be possible to demonstrate further links with a shoe owner through that function. 3 notes, 3 diagrams, 7 graphs