The Forensic Confirmation Bias: A Comparison Between Experts and Novices |
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| Authors: | Claire A J van den Eeden MSc Christianne J de Poot PhD Peter J van Koppen PhD |
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| Institution: | 1. Research, Knowledge & Development Department, Police Academy of the Netherlands, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands;2. Criminal Law and Criminology Department, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsCorresponding author: Claire A. J. van den Eeden, M.Sc., Politieacademie, Research, Knowledge and Development, P.O. Box 834, 7301 BB Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. E‐mail:;3. Criminal Law and Criminology Department, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;4. Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
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| Abstract: | A large body of research has described the influence of context information on forensic decision‐making. In this study, we examined the effect of context information on the search for and selection of traces by students (N = 36) and crime scene investigators (N = 58). Participants investigated an ambiguous mock crime scene and received prior information indicating suicide, a violent death or no information. Participants described their impression of the scene and wrote down which traces they wanted to secure. Results showed that context information impacted first impression of the scene and crime scene behavior, namely number of traces secured. Participants in the murder condition secured most traces. Furthermore, the students secured more crime‐related traces. Students were more confident in their first impression. This study does not indicate that experts outperform novices. We therefore argue for proper training on cognitive processes as an integral part of all forensic education. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science crime scene investigation expectancy effects contextual bias decision‐making expertise |
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