The researchers wanted to find a way to predict body density using measurements like height, weight, and skinfold thickness. They studied 111 male college students, most of whom were athletes. They found that factors like subcutaneous fat on extremities and trunk fat were important in estimating body density. The best equation they came up with included measurements of subscapular skinfold thickness, chest girth, and lateral abdomen skinfold thickness. This equation was more accurate in estimating body density compared to previous methods.