Transcript for_Deep Dive into Human Factors in DNA_UTS_Osborne

Page 1: Introduction to Human Factors in Forensic DNA Analysis

Overview of the NIST Report

• Topic: Forensic DNA interpretation

• Focus: Complexity of DNA matching process versus media simplification of the process.

Human Factors in DNA Analysis

• Importance of human factors in interpretation of DNA evidence.

• Human error can arise from biases or preconceived notions.

• Even objective evidence, such as DNA, can have subjective interpretations underlying the analysis.

Case Example: Queensland, Australia

• Issue of siloed analysis: Analysts worked in isolation without communication, leading to misinterpretations.

• Analogy: Similar to solving a jigsaw puzzle without sharing pieces among teammates.

Page 2: Addressing Miscommunication in Forensic Labs

Consequences of Poor Communication

• Failure to share crucial information can lead to errors in interpretation and analysis.

Recommendations for Safeguards

• Implementation of thorough documentation and independent reviews.

• Building in checks to reduce bias and make DNA analysis more objective.

Understanding Complex DNA Mixtures

• Analogies: Complexity likened to sorting through mixed shoes at a party.

• Highlighting the challenge of disentangling DNA from multiple contributors and developing clear interpretations.

Page 3: Probabilistic Genotyping Software (PGS)

Function of PGS

• PGS defined: A computer program that analyzes complex DNA mixtures.

• Enhances objectivity and provides statistically sound interpretations of genomic data.

Benefits of Using PGS

• Factors accounted for by PGS include:

  • Number of contributors to a DNA mixture

  • Quality of samples (missing or degraded DNA)

• Helps provide a reliable interpretation akin to analyzing the probability of attendees at a party.

Page 4: Communicating the Likelihood Ratio (LR)

Importance of LR in Forensics

• LR as a tool to quantify the probability of DNA evidence pertaining to suspects versus random individuals.

• Real-world analogy: Assessing a footprint left at a crime scene helps to establish probable presence of a suspect versus randomness.

Challenges in Jury Communication

• Need for clear, understandable presentations devoid of scientific jargon.

• Importance of effectively translating scientific findings to ensure comprehension while maintaining accuracy.

Page 5: Quality Assurance in Forensic Labs

Elements of Quality Assurance

• Systems are necessary to achieve accuracy and reliability in forensic analysis, from evidence collection to reporting results.

• Accreditation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and regular audits are key to ensuring high-quality practices in the lab.

Continuous Improvement

• Emphasis on the need for labs to continually evolve their practices alongside technological advances in the field.

Page 6: Human Elements in Forensic Science

Communicating Effectively in Court

• Need for analysts to avoid using jargon (e.g., „allele dropout“).

• Striving for relatable explanations (e.g., explaining DNA evidence significance quantitatively).

Risks of Miscommunication

• Concepts like tunnel vision (overlooking alternative explanations) and confirmation bias can skew interpretations and decisions.

Page 7: Overcoming Cognitive Biases

Addressing Bias

• Implementing strategies to blind analysts to key case details ensures objectivity, especially when interpreting complex mixtures.

• Importance of independent reviews to validate findings and interpretations.

Human Factor Consideration

• Forensic professionals must be trained to recognize and mitigate biases actively through all stages of their work.

Page 8: Training and Continuing Education

Importance of Training

• Initial and ongoing training as critical components of a forensic analyst's career development.

• Combination of practical experience and theory is essential.

Continuing Education Opportunities

• Engagement in workshops, webinars, and shadowing experiences is crucial to maintaining expertise.

Page 9: Broader Educational Focus

Expanding Training Content

• Forensic analysts require training that includes ethics and effective courtroom communication in addition to technical skills.

Understanding Ethical Responsibilities

• Analysts must comprehend the implications of their work on the judicial system and society.

Page 10: Environmental Factors in Forensic Labs

Impact of Physical Environment

• Considerations around adequate lighting for varying product analysis tasks.

• Influence of noise on concentration and accuracy in DNA interpretation tasks.

Ergonomics and Analysis

• Ensure workspaces are designed ergonomically to minimize physical strain on analysts.

Page 11: Quality Assurance Practices

Lab Quality Assurance

• Commitment to high-quality operations throughout the lab’s functions ensures reliability and accuracy.

Accreditation and SOPs

• Importance of clear SOPs for various processes within the laboratory to bring consistency and reduce error potential.

Page 12: Audits and Continuous Improvement

Role of Audits

• Regular audits are necessary to confirm adherence to quality and to facilitate improvement opportunities.

Organizational Learning Culture

• Importance of learning culture in labs stemming from leadership to employee engagement and commitment to quality.

Page 13: Comprehensive Approach to Quality Assurance

Ethical and Communication Training

• Integration of communication ethics alongside technical training improves clarity and alignment with evidence delivery in court.

Holistic Quality Assurance

• Quality assurance encompasses ensuring effective communication and recognizing human factors involved in interpretation.

Page 14: Recommendations for Labs

National Forensic DNA Training Consortium

• Establishing a standard for training to elevate competency across labs.

Adoption of PGS

• Encouragement for labs to implement and properly manage PGS systems.

Page 15: Enhancing Quality through Accreditation

Importance of Ongoing Accreditation

• Encouragement for labs to seek rigorous accreditation matching the evolving standards in the field.

Human Factors in Practice

• Acknowledgment that analysts should continuously improve their skill set and cognitive understanding to prevent biases during analysis.

Page 16: Communication of DNA Results

Understanding Likelihood Ratios

• Recommendation for labs to use LRs to articulate evidence weight more effectively.

Analyst Education and Training

• Regular updating of skills and understanding to meet quality and ethical standards are crucial for forensic analysts.

Page 17: Conclusion and Call to Action

Responsibility in Forensic Science

• Collective responsibility of forensic scientists to ensure integrity and accuracy in the justice system implications.

Importance of Continuous Learning

• Acknowledging ongoing improvements in forensic processes and the importance of adaptability to new challenges.