Cognitive bias research in forensic science: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Cognitive Psychology
• Decision-Making Analysis

Background:

• Cognitive biases pose a potential threat to the objectivity of decision-making in forensic science.
• Understanding the influence of these biases is crucial for improving forensic practice and training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on cognitive biases within forensic science disciplines.
• To identify the prevalence and impact of specific biases on forensic practitioners and trainees.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review across social science and science databases.
• Screening of titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review of identified articles.
• Inclusion of 29 primary research studies, with critical appraisal of methodological quality.

Main Results:

• Confirmation bias was evident in forensic analysts' conclusions, particularly when presented with suspect-specific information or prior decisions.
• Studies involving practitioners and trainees showed a higher susceptibility to bias compared to general populations.
• Latent fingerprint analysis was the most frequently studied discipline, with evidence of bias found in 9 out of 11 relevant studies.

Conclusions:

• Forensic science practitioners are susceptible to confirmation bias.
• Procedural interventions, such as limiting unnecessary information, controlling information order, using multiple comparison samples, and blinding analysts to prior results, show potential for bias reduction.