Monday 6 June 2011

INTRODUCTION


When presented with the left foot length of an individual, forensic scientists are able to estimate the height of the person because according to vitruvian man, the length of a person’s foot is approximately 15 percent of the height of the person. In our project, we aim to show if this relationship between foot length and height of the individual is well supported.

Rationale of study
·         To determine if the length of a person’s left foot is related to his or her height.
·         To justify if the length of a person’s left foot can be used to estimate his or her height.
Hypothesis
a)      Research hypothesis:
·         There is a positive correlation between the height and length of the left foot of a person.
b)      Null hypothesis:
·         There is no positive correlation between the height and length of the left foot of a person.
Variables


Dependent variable:
Height of a person


Independent variable:
Length of the left foot of a person


Extraneous variable:
Age, Gender, Posture of participant
Conceptualization
Height: The vertical distance from the bottom or lowest part of an object or person to the top or apex.
Foot length: A measure of the distance from the heel to the longest toe of the left foot when the subject stands with weight evenly distributed on both feet.
Operationalization
Height will be measured using a measuring tape against a vertical wall in centimetres.
Foot length will be measured with the use of a measuring tape, from the posterior aspect of the calcaneus to the longest toe with participant standing against a box.