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Almazrouei MA, Kukucka J, Morgan RM, Levy I. Unpacking workplace stress and forensic expert decision-making: From theory to practice. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2024; 8:100473. [PMID: 38737991 PMCID: PMC11087230 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Workplace stress can affect forensic experts' job satisfaction and performance, which holds financial and other implications for forensic service providers. Therefore, it is important to understand and manage workplace stress, but that is not simple or straightforward. This paper explores stress as a human factor that influences forensic expert decision-making. First, we identify and highlight three factors that mitigate decisions under stress conditions: nature of decision, individual differences, and context of decision. Second, we situate workplace stress in forensic science within the Challenge-Hindrance Stressor Framework. We argue that stressors in forensic science workplaces can have a positive or a negative impact, depending on the type, level, and context of stress. Developing an understanding of the stressors, their sources, and their possible impact can help forensic service providers and researchers to implement context-specific interventions to manage stress at work and optimize expert performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. Almazrouei
- Center for Neurocognition and Behavior, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeff Kukucka
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Ruth M. Morgan
- Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ifat Levy
- Center for Neurocognition and Behavior, Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Robles M, Carew RM, Rando C, Nakhaeizadeh S, Morgan RM. Sex estimation from virtual models: exploring the potential of stereolithic 3D crania models for morphoscopic trait scoring. Forensic Sci Res 2023; 8:123-132. [PMID: 37621450 PMCID: PMC10445579 DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern computed tomography (CT) databases are becoming an accepted resource for the practice and development of identification methods in forensic anthropology. However, the utility of 3D models created using free and open-source visualization software such as 3D Slicer has not yet been thoroughly assessed for morphoscopic biological profiling methods where virtual methods of analysis are becoming more common. This paper presents a study that builds on the initial findings from Robles et al. (2020) to determine the feasibility of estimating sex on stereolithic (STL) 3D cranial models produced from CT scans from a modern, living UK population (n = 80) using equation 2 from the Walker's (2008) morphoscopic method. Kendall's coefficients of concordance (KCC) indicated substantial agreement using cranial features scores in an inter-observer test and a video-inter-observer test. Fleiss' Kappa scores showed moderate agreement (0.50) overall between inter-observer sex estimations, and for observer sex estimations in comparison to recorded sexes (0.56). It was found that novice users could virtually employ morphoscopic sex estimation methods effectively on STL 3D cranial models from modern individuals. This study also highlights the potential that digital databases of modern living populations can offer forensic anthropology. Key points First example of Walker's (2008) method applied to a living UK population.Open-source software is a valuable resource for crime reconstruction approaches.Male scoring bias was observed in method application.Forensic anthropologists would benefit from virtual anthropology training to use and interpret 3D models.Digital databases offer more ethical, diverse, modern populations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Robles
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachael M Carew
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
| | - Carolyn Rando
- UCL Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, UK
| | - Sherry Nakhaeizadeh
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
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Morgan RM, Kneebone RL, Pyenson ND, Sholts SB, Houstoun W, Butler B, Chesters K. Regaining creativity in science: insights from conversation. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230134. [PMID: 37206962 PMCID: PMC10189591 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The 'early modern' (Renaissance) workshop was predicated on the idea that informal, open-ended cooperation enables participants to experience difference and develop new insights, which can lead to new ways of thinking and doing. This paper presents the insights that emerged from a conversation event that brought wide-ranging voices together from different domains in science, and across the arts and industry, to consider science leadership as we look to the future in a time of interlocking crises. The core theme identified was a need to regain creativity in science; in the methods of scientific endeavours, in the way science is produced and communicated, and in how science is experienced in society. Three key challenges for re-establishing a culture of creativity in science emerged: (i) how scientists communicate what science is and what it is for, (ii) what scientists value, and (iii) how scientists create and co-create science with and for society. Furthermore, the value of open-ended and ongoing conversation between different perspectives as a means of achieving this culture was identified and demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M. Morgan
- Department of Security and Crime Science and UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, UK
- The Arista Institute, UCL Engineering Front Building, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Roger L. Kneebone
- Centre for Engagement and Simulation Science, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Royal College of Music–Imperial Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, London, UK
| | - Nicholas D. Pyenson
- Department of Paleobiology, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Paleontology and Geology, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sabrina B. Sholts
- Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Will Houstoun
- Royal College of Music–Imperial Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, London, UK
| | | | - Kevin Chesters
- Harbour Collective, LABS House, 15–19 Bloomsbury Way, Holborn, London WC1A 2TH, UK
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Mantl NA, Nakhaeizadeh S, Watts R, Rando C, Morgan RM. Evaluating intuitive decision-making in non-metric sex estimation from the cranium: an exploratory study. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2022.2104371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Mantl
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Forensic Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sherry Nakhaeizadeh
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Forensic Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Watts
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carolyn Rando
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ruth M. Morgan
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Forensic Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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Georgiou N, Morgan R, French J. The shifting narrative of uncertainty: a case for the coherent and consistent consideration of uncertainty in forensic science. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2022.2104370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Georgiou
- Department of Security and Crime Science, UCL, London, UK
| | - R.M. Morgan
- Department of Security and Crime Science, UCL, London, UK
| | - J.C. French
- Department of Security and Crime Science, UCL, London, UK
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Villavicencio-Queijeiro A, Loyzance C, García-Castillo Z, Suzuri-Hernández J, Castillo-Alanís A, López-Olvera P, López-Escobedo F. Development of an instrument for assessing the quality of forensic evidence and expert testimony from three feature-comparison methods: DNA, voice, and fingerprint analysis. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:217-228. [PMID: 34596244 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In a context of rising violence and long-lasting impunity, in 2008, Mexico's criminal justice system underwent a radical change from an inquisitorial model to an adversarial one, to make it more effective, transparent, and expeditious. The new system tasked judges with publicly determining the admissibility of forensic evidence, as well as assessing its technical quality and probative value-tasks for which they currently receive little to no training. With the aim of contributing to the consolidation of the adversarial model, a comparative framework-in the form of a checklist-of the analysis of fingerprints, DNA samples, and voice recordings was created. To do so, a review of the academic literature, published reports, and guidelines was performed. The collected data were synthesized and submitted to a panel of Mexican judges, who provided feedback on its adequacy. The framework focuses on the steps on which quality assurance of forensic evidence depends, organized in five discrete stages that span from the collection of samples at the scene of a crime to the presentation of evidence at trial, specifying the main technical criteria experts should state to allow a decision maker to examine its accuracy and reliability. Differences and commonalities among the three methods were identified, particularly in terms of how qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed in each. Besides its potential usefulness as an aid for judicial decision-making, the checklist could be a valuable resource for training programs aimed at judges, as well as quality assurance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chantal Loyzance
- Ciencia Forense, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Zoraida García-Castillo
- Ciencia Forense, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jiro Suzuri-Hernández
- Ciencia Forense, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alejandra Castillo-Alanís
- Ciencia Forense, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Patricia López-Olvera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fernanda López-Escobedo
- Ciencia Forense, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Sunde N. What does a digital forensics opinion look like? A comparative study of digital forensics and forensic science reporting practices. Sci Justice 2021; 61:586-596. [PMID: 34482939 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study explores digital forensics (DF) reporting practices and compares the results with other forensic science disciplines. Forty reports were obtained from a quasi-experiment involving DF examiners, and a quantitative content analysis was performed to determine which conclusion types they applied and which content they included with relevance to the credibility of the reported results. A qualitative analysis was performed to examine the certainty expressions used in the conclusions. The results were compared to a study of eight forensic science disciplines performed by Bali et al. [24,26]. The results show that the DF examiners tend to present their conclusions either as Categorical conclusion or Strength of support (SoS) conclusion types and that they address source, activity, and offence level issues in their conclusions. The content analysis indicates deficiencies in DF reporting practices, and several of the challenges seem to be shared with other FS disciplines. The analysis of certainty expressions showed that a plethora of expressions was used, and that they lacked reference to an established framework. The results indicate that more research on DF evaluation and reporting practices is necessary and justifies a need for enhanced focus on quality control and peer review within the DF discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Sunde
- Norwegian Police University College, Postboks 2109 Vika, 0125 Oslo, Norway.
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