Date of Award
12-1991
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Dr. Robert I. Sundick
Second Advisor
Dr. Tal Simmons
Third Advisor
Dr. John Crowell
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The study of 51 white male alcoholics and 50 white male nonalcoholics between the ages of 15 and 40 was undertaken to learn whether there are differences in the fingerprint patterns between the two groups. Previous research demonstrated that fingerprint patterns are genetically determined and influenced by the intrauterine environment. Fingerprint patterns, ridge counts, pattern intensity index, pattern type symmetry and ridge counts on whorls were studied. Both groups were compared by means of the Z statistics and chi-square tests. It was hoped that the differences observed in the fingerprint patterns of the two groups could be used as a diagnostic criterion to identify potential alcoholics. Unfortunately, no difference between the two groups was observed. Problems associated with this type of study are discussed and suggestions for additional research are presented.
Recommended Citation
Yokota, Miyo, "A Study of the Correlation between Alcoholism and Fingerprint Patterns" (1991). Masters Theses. 1006.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1006