This live webinar will take place on June 27th, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. - Noon CT.
In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences called for research-based solutions to address error and bias, recommending extensive reform across many forensic disciplines — particularly pattern-matching disciplines such as fingerprints, questioned documents, and firearms and toolmarks. Since that landmark report, there has been a substantial increase in research demonstrating the nature and impact of cognitive bias effects. Many forensic scientists and laboratories have also begun shifting toward policy changes aimed at increasing the reliability of forensic examinations and conclusions provided to stakeholders in the criminal legal system.
Despite these advances, forensic service providers are often left uncertain about where to begin when seeking to mitigate cognitive bias effects in their work. In response to this challenge, the Department of Forensic Sciences in Costa Rica partnered with cognitive scientist, Dr. Adele Quigley-McBride, to design and implement a pilot program within the Questioned Documents Section of their national forensic laboratory. Drawing on existing research-based tools — including Linear Sequential Unmasking-Expanded (LSU-E), Blind Verifications, case managers, and other mitigation strategies — the program aimed to enhance the reliability of forensic evaluations and reduce subjectivity in forensic decision-making.
In this webinar, the team will share the Department of Forensic Sciences’ journey, from initial planning through implementation, as well as the impact of the strategies they adopted. Attendees will gain insights into how the Department systematically addressed key barriers to implementation and ensured the sustainability of reformed practices. The webinar will offer a practical model to help other laboratories prioritize resource allocation, overcome common obstacles, and close the gap between research and practice.
This successful pilot program demonstrates that even when resources are limited, feasible and effective changes can be adopted to mitigate cognitive bias. It provides a concrete example of how laboratories can translate recommendations from the research literature into everyday forensic practice to strengthen the reliability and integrity of forensic conclusions.
Presenters:
Adele Quigley-McBride, Ph.D., LL.B.
Carolina Rojas Alfaro
Mauricio Chacón Hernández
