Technology and Cognitive Bias

Abstract

A range of forensic identification technologies have been introduced to assist forensic examiners to search through the large amounts of data with which they are faced. These technologies have been introduced based on the assumption that a human–technology partnership will be more effective than either the human or technology alone. However, human performance in the field of forensic comparison is highly variable and humans by their very nature are susceptible to bias. Contrary to depictions in popular media, forensic identification technologies are not perfect either. While they are highly accurate and improvements in their performance are consistently being realized, they are susceptible to error and a range of variables can impact on their accuracy. This article outlines how the technical performance realities of forensic identification technologies can interact with an examiner's own biases to influence decision outcomes. It also demonstrates how decision making can be biased by the way in which information is presented to examiners by the technology, and potentially lead to erroneous decisions being made. The article concludes with a discussion of how increasing awareness, practical training, adjustments to workflow, and interface design that is sensitive to the cognitive capabilities of users can help to minimize such biases.