Cognitive bias

We don’t all see, hear, think, and perceive the same thing, even when given the same data. Our attention, memory, perception, and judgments are vulnerable to bias, manipulation, and error.

Cognitive biases are an important human function that allow us to process the world around us quickly and efficiently. For the most part, bias is helpful and we wouldn’t survive without it.

In forensic science, however, bias can lead to inaccurate or overstated opinions. The greater degree of ambiguity in the data, the higher the risk of bias. I am currently investigating this issue across a range of forensic disciplines.

Beyond Forensic Science

Although I primarily apply my psychology expertise to forensic science, at the core of this knowledge is understanding the factors that influence decision-making.

For this reason, I also speak to corporate organizations and groups who wish to know more about how bias may affect their day-to-day interactions and how to harness bias to influence positive change.

Bloodstain Pattern analysis

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) is the practice of locating and analyzing the size, shape, distribution of bloodstains and bloodstain patterns related to a crime in order to determine the possible event(s) that could account for the stains and patterns.

At its core, the use of BPA in the courtroom is supported by the underlying principles of fluid dynamics. In certain circumstances, however, the interpretation of ambiguous patterns may be vulnerable to cognitive and contextual bias and error. Our research aims to identify sources of bias and error in BPA in order to develop ways to improve reliability in the discipline.

National Institute of standards and technology (NIST)/National Institiute of Justice (NIJ) expert working group on Human Factors in forensic dna interpretation

I am a project manager for the NIST/NIJ Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Forensic DNA Interpretation.

This extensive and highly anticipated report is due for publication late 2023.

Contextual Information Management

Contextual information management (CIM) is the practice of managing contextual information in a way that shields forensic examiners from task-irrelevant information while still allowing them access to the information that is relevant and necessary to perform their tasks.

Our research in this area is two fold. First, we aim to identify what information truly is relevant for forensic examinations. Second, we aim to develop efficient ways to manage such information.

My personal philosophy is that we must develop CIM protocols that account for the practical realities of a forensic laboratory. It is not a matter of overhauling systems completely, but instead about recognizing the existence of bias and making manageable but effective changes to reduce the potential negative impact.