The interpretation of forensic conclusions by professionals and students: Does experience matter?

Elmarije Van Straalen*, Christianne De Poot, M. Malsch, Henk Elffers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Are professionals better at assessing the evidential strength of different types of forensic conclusions compared to students? In an online questionnaire 96 crime investigation and law students, and 269 crime investigation and legal professionals assessed three fingerprint examination reports. All reports were similar, except for the conclusion part which was stated in a categorical (CAT), verbal likelihood ratio (VLR) or numerical likelihood ratio (NLR) conclusion with high or low evidential strength. The results showed no significant difference between the groups of students and professionals in their assessment of the conclusions. They all overestimated the strength of the strong CAT conclusion compared to the other conclusion types and underestimated the strength of the weak CAT conclusion. Their background (legal vs. crime investigation) did have a significant effect on their understanding. Whereas the legal professionals performed better compared to the crime investigators, the legal students performed worse compared to crime investigation students.
Original languageEnglish
Article number100437
Number of pages12
JournalForensic Science International: Synergy
Volume7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2023

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