Final answer:
The major problem with the Trotter and Gleser stature estimation study was the inaccuracy of the regression formulae used. Other common issues in such studies include small sample sizes and lack of generalizability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Trotter and Gleser stature estimation study faced a major problem due to the inadequacy of the regression formulae used in the research. When developing statistical models for estimating human stature from skeletal remains, it is crucial that the underlying formulae are accurate and reliable. The Trotter and Gleser study's loss of accuracy suggests that the regression formulae did not fit the data well, possibly due to assumptions made in the model, measurement errors, or variability in the sample population that was not adequately captured by the regression model. Other studies have highlighted issues such as small sample sizes and the lack of generalizability of the findings to the larger population, these factors contribute to the challenge of creating precise formulas for stature estimation. Relevant historical insights include William S. Gosset's work, who dealt with similar issues regarding small sample sizes and inaccuracies in statistical estimations, leading to the discovery of the Student's t-distribution, which adjusted calculations for sample size.