Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists

Abstract:

Expert decision-making plays a crucial role in forensic science, particularly in contexts that rely

heavily on the experience of the practitioner. Unfortunately, as a result of the structure of

human cognition, these are the same contexts that become susceptible to issues of cognitive

bias. This workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of cognition, the psychology of

decision-making, and the impact that cognitive bias can have on the interpretation of forensic

evidence. Through lectures, discussions, and guided laboratory activities, attendees will explore

cognitive bias in multiple forensic disciplines, including crime scene investigation, firearm

analysis, trace evidence, and fingerprint identification. Participants will learn mitigation

strategies for both fieldwork and laboratory work, all designed to protect practitioner decisions

from cognitive bias. These practical tools will help to increase the transparency of the forensic

decision-making process and improve the reliability of expert interpretations, judgments, and

opinions.