title: Exploring the role of contextual information in bloodstain pattern analysis: A qualitative approach.
abstract: During Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA), an analyst may encounter various sources of contextual information. Although contextual bias has emerged as a valid concern for the discipline, little is understood about how contextual information informs BPA. To address this issue, we asked 15 experienced bloodstain pattern analysts from New Zealand and Australia to think aloud as they classified bloodstain patterns from two homicide cases. Analysts could request items of contextual information, and were required to state how each item would inform their analysis. Pathology reports and additional photographs of the scene were the most commonly requested items of information. We coded analysts' reasons for requesting contextual information--and the way in which they integrated this information--according to thematic analysis. We identified considerable variation in both of these variables, raising important questions about the role and necessity of contextual information in decisions about bloodstain pattern evidence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) Ltd, PO Box 29181, Christchurch 8540, New Zealand. Electronic address: nosborne@psy.otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Nikola K P
authors.initials: NKP
authors.lastname: Osborne
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) Ltd, PO Box 29181, Christchurch 8540, New Zealand. Electronic address: michael.taylor@esr.cri.nz.
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. Electronic address: rachelz@psy.otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zajac
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D001801:Blood Stains; D003657:Decision Making; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D009520:New Zealand; D016495:Police
keywords: Bias; Bloodstain pattern analysis; Contextual information management; Forensic science; Thematic analysis