"Cannot Decide": The Fine Line Between Appropriate Inconclusive Determinations Versus Unjustifiably Deciding Not To Decide1. Issue 1 (5th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dror, Itiel E.; Langenburg, Glenn
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 64:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 10
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2018-07-05
• Subjects: forensic science -- inconclusive determinations -- forensic decision‐making -- human factors -- decision models -- deciding not to decide -- cognitive forensics -- fingerprint conclusions; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13854
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Inconclusive decisions, deciding not to decide, are decisions. We present a cognitive model which takes into account that decisions are an outcome of interactions and intersections between the actual data and human cognition. Using this model it is suggested under which circumstances inconclusive decisions are justified and even warranted (reflecting proper caution and meta‐cognitive abilities in recognizing limited abilities), and, conversely, under what circumstances inconclusive decisions are unjustifiable and should not be permitted. The model further explores the limitations and problems in using categorical decision‐making when the data are actually a continuum. Solutions are suggested within the forensic fingerprinting domain, but they can be applied to other forensic domains, and, with modifications, may also be applied to other expert domains.