Each decomposition stage was recorded with close attention to the number of accumulated degree days that it took to reach those stages. Accumulated degree days were chosen over the use of calendar days because they also take into account any thermal energy units present to enable decomposition, including seasonal temperature differences. The results were then compared on the basis of whether or not the remains had undergone an autopsy or not. Because the rate of decomposition can be altered with varying temperature, the internal body temperatures of the remains were also compared between autopsied and non-autopsied subjects, in order to observe if differences of that regard had any correlation to differential decomposition. This consideration resulted in eight non-autopsied remains and five autopsied remains being investigated, having their internal temperatures recorded on a daily basis for 7 days.

The end result would show no statistically significant difference in the decomposition rates between autopsied and non-autopsied remains. On average the accumulated degree days needed to reach each stage of decomposition was marginally lower for autopsied remains compared to non-autopsied remains. Results would also display very little difference between each type of remains in their rate of decomposition relative to their internal temperature or seasonal conditions.