Title
Shoe print examinations: Effects of expectation, complexity and experience
Author
Kerstholt, J.H.
Paashuis, R.
Sjerps, M.
TNO Defensie en Veiligheid
Publication year
2007
Abstract
As trace evidence is becoming more and more important in legal cases it has to be ascertained that accurate judgments are made. In the present study we investigated how expectations and complexity affect shoe print examinations and to what extent differences exist between beginners and experienced examiners. Twelve examiners assessed similarity between a shoe print and a shoe for 8 different cases. For half the cases expectation was induced by providing additional incriminating evidence. A complex case meant that the print was relatively noisy, for example because the perpetrator rotated his foot. A simple case meant that the print was clear. The results showed that there was no effect of expectation and no effect of experience. Only complexity affected the examiners' assessments: acquired features in a noisy background received a lower evidential value than the very same acquired features in a clear background. Apparently, examiners compensated for the quality of the print and were more cautious in drawing conclusions when prints were less clear. Even though the results allow for some optimism with regard to the influence of expectations on shoe print examinations, it has to be taken into account that the Dutch procedure is supported by a formal guideline, which may (partly) explain the present findings.
Verwachtingen over vermoedelijke schuld van de verdachte had geen effect op schoensporenonderzoek. Krasjes in een duidelijk spoor werden hoger gescoord dan (diezelfde) krasjes in een onduidelijk spoor,
Subject
Criminology
Complexity
Context effects
Observer effects
Shoe print examinations
article
controlled study
foot
forensic identification
human
offender
police
practice guideline
priority journal
shoe
shoe print examination
Forensic Medicine
Guidelines
Humans
Judgment
Netherlands
Observer Variation
Photography
Professional Competence
Shoes
Task Performance and Analysis
forensic crime
experience
expectations
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:1f400532-55ce-452c-ae1a-2c5ea92dcdbf
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.02.039
TNO identifier
16054
Source
Forensic science international, 165, 30-34
Document type
article