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Forensic anthropology and cognitive bias.
Potential effects of cognitive bias: The issues of cognitive bias and its potential
effects in forensic science and in criminal investigations have been
increasingly discussed, with empirical research demonstrating the existing
effect of cognitive bias in decision making within numerous forensic fields.
The complexity of data analysis and interpretation in forensic cases has been
emphasised as one of the main issues in forensic science where cognitive biases
may impact data collection, analysis, interpretation and conclusions.
Relevance to forensic anthropology: In many disciplines such as forensic anthropology the presence of bias, its impact, and how to mitigate its effects are still not fully assessed or appreciated. Questions such as how does cognition relate to forensic anthropology/forensic science, and how can it enhance forensic work needs to be evaluated.
Other forensic disciplines: This research will seek to understand the degree
of bias in forensic anthropology and then in addition to other forensic
disciplines where subjective interpretations may occur, and identify the means
to avoid errors that might arise from interpretation issues within these
fields. This project will undertaking experiments to test for bias empirically
within forensic anthropological methods as well as other forensic disciplines
using different manipulations to examine in greater complexity the stages in
which bias is more prevalent, and when such factors affect performances and
render forensic expert judgments compromised and equally when they do not.
Establishing an evidence based approach: The aim of the research is to aid in establishing an empirical evidence based approach for dealing with cognitive issues within the forensic field. In addition, this research will focus on the impact upon how to develop more valid, transparent and reliable techniques where decisions will be more robust and admissible in a court of law.