title: A perspective on errors, bias, and interpretation in the forensic sciences and direction for continuing advancement.
abstract: The forensic sciences are under review more so than ever before. Such review is necessary and healthy and should be a continuous process. It identifies areas for improvement in quality practices and services. The issues surrounding error, i.e., measurement error, human error, contextual bias, and confirmatory bias, and interpretation are discussed. Infrastructure is already in place to support reliability. However, more definition and clarity of terms and interpretation would facilitate communication and understanding. Material improvement across the disciplines should be sought through national programs in education and training, focused on science, the scientific method, statistics, and ethics. To provide direction for advancing the forensic sciences a list of recommendations ranging from further documentation to new research and validation to education and to accreditation is provided for consideration. The list is a starting point for discussion that could foster further thought and input in developing an overarching strategic plan for enhancing the forensic sciences.
authors.affiliation: FBI Laboratory, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA. bbudowle@ic.fbi.gov
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Budowle
authors.forename: Maureen C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bottrell
authors.forename: Stephen G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Bunch
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fram
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meagher
authors.forename: Cary T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Oien
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Danielle P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Seiger
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Smrz
authors.forename: Greg L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Soltis
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Stacey
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D015982:Bias; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D005104:Expert Testimony; D044707:Forensic Sciences / Q000193:education / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011786:Quality Control