On the Importance of Recognition and Mitigation of Bias in Forensic Science

This chapter reviews the causes of cognitive bias in forensic examinations and methods to enable mitigation. Causes relating to the nature of human cognition, the forensic task itself, emotion and motivation, contextual information (such as other case evidence), and individual differences, among others are considered. Where and how cognitive biases are afforded the opportunity to infect forensic judgment and decision-making are reviewed. Given that biases cannot be eliminated through awareness nor by attempts to control one’s own biases, suggested reforms aimed primarily at preventing opportunities for biases to operate are reviewed. Though many such recommended reforms are aimed toward greater standardization and/or automation, we note that because standardized and automated systems are designed by humans subject to the many cognitive biases discussed herein they cannot be assumed to eliminate bias.