The Forensic Confirmation Bias: A Comparison Between Experts and Novices

Journal of Forensic Sciences
Claire A J van den EedenPeter J van Koppen

Abstract

A large body of research has described the influence of context information on forensic decision-making. In this study, we examined the effect of context information on the search for and selection of traces by students (N = 36) and crime scene investigators (N = 58). Participants investigated an ambiguous mock crime scene and received prior information indicating suicide, a violent death or no information. Participants described their impression of the scene and wrote down which traces they wanted to secure. Results showed that context information impacted first impression of the scene and crime scene behavior, namely number of traces secured. Participants in the murder condition secured most traces. Furthermore, the students secured more crime-related traces. Students were more confident in their first impression. This study does not indicate that experts outperform novices. We therefore argue for proper training on cognitive processes as an integral part of all forensic education.

References

Nov 1, 1991·Psychological Bulletin·D J Koehler
Sep 1, 1991·Academic Medicine : Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges·C ChristensenA S Elstein
Dec 6, 2011·Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society·Itiel E Dror, Greg Hampikian
Apr 23, 2013·Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society·Peter A F Fraser-MackenzieKasey Wertheim
May 7, 2014·Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society·Sherry NakhaeizadehRuth M Morgan
Dec 5, 2016·Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society·Claire A J van den EedenPeter J van Koppen
Jun 14, 2017·Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society·Madeleine de GruijterChristianne J de Poot

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Sep 4, 2018·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Ruth M MorganItiel E Dror
Jul 7, 2020·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Danielle SneydGabriel Hernandez
Aug 26, 2020·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Mohammed A AlmazroueiRuth M Morgan
Jan 2, 2021·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Nicole S Jones, Jeffrey H Comparin
Jan 2, 2021·Forensic Science International : Synergy·William P McAndrew, Max M Houck
Sep 10, 2021·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Itiel E DrorDaniel S Atherton
Sep 10, 2021·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Itiel E DrorDaniel S Atherton
Sep 10, 2021·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Itiel E DrorDaniel S Atherton
Nov 3, 2021·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Stephanie HartleyItiel E Dror

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society
Claire A J van den EedenPeter J van Koppen
Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society
A CunninghamC Futers
Medicine, Science, and the Law
A Usher
New York State Journal of Medicine
Y M Rho
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved