Educational Webinars
AAFS Connect is the hub of digital forensic science content provided by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. AAFS Connect hosts conference workshops, presentations, webinars, educational training, and other resources. AAFS also hosts live webinars listed below labeled "UPCOMING."
Cognitive Bias in Forensic Decisions | Understanding What It Is, Its implications, And What Can Be Done About It
First, understanding what cognitive bias is, as many confuse it with the everyday notion of bias –cognitive bias is different, as it is often implicit and it impacts hard working, dedicated and competent experts, and thus it is widespread but hard to detect. Second, its implication to forensic decisions making, where experts are heavily relied upon as their decision making is regarded as impartial. In this short webinar I will present how forensic conclusions can be impacted and distorted by irrelevant contextual information, by reference materials, or even by the context in which information is presented or obtained. Third, I will show how understanding what cognitive bias is and its implication to forensic decisions, is important for identifying such weaknesses and for providing practical ways to mitigate them.
This webinar is being offered free as a benefit to all AAFS members and affiliates.