The forensic confirmation bias: Problems, perspectives, and proposed solutions - Commentary by a forensic examiner

• Published in: Journal of applied research in memory and cognition Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 59 - 60
• Main Author: Butt, Leonard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washigton Elsevier Science 01.03.2013; Elsevier Inc; Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition
• Subjects: Analyst; Bias; Cognitive Bias; Confirmation Bias; Contextual; Examiner; Forensic Evaluation; Forensic science; Human; Impact; Memory; Observers; Primacy Effect; Witnesses; Impact; Analyst; Contextual; Forensic science; Examiner; Bias
• ISSN: 2211-3681; 2211-369X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2013.01.012

Comments on an article by Saul M. Kassin, Itiel E. Dror and Jeff Kukucka (see record 2013-09216-007). In their paper, Kassin, Dror, and Kukucka bring renewed attention to a subject worthy of considerable discussion. Research and empirical events have revealed that, as well intended as an individual may be, the human mind is absolutely capable of making a person act in such a manner that goes against what their training, experience, best judgment, and morals would otherwise dictate. When such influences occur in relationship to the world of forensic science, where science is depended upon to answer questions of interest to our legal system, the potential impacts cannot be overstated. That is not the same as saying that after reading the paper I stand in total agreement with everything presented (subject and manner). Rather, it is an acknowledgement that there is no way to place a weighted value on any one error which could occur in this field. Regardless of the cause, all errors need to be considered and mitigated. Through the presentation of information regarding wrongful convictions the article illuminates a dark side of our justice system. How could so many investigators, prosecutors, judges, jurors, etc. be wrong when it comes to finding and penalizing criminal perpetrators? Bias is just one of the many factors influencing this failure. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)