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Contextual Information On Information And Perception Essay

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According to Dror et al. (2006), contextual information is defined as, information that provides an understanding of the context of an event or issue. Contextual information unknowingly affects how opinions and perceptions are made; it is human nature to associate information with future perceptions, as a way to achieve a sense of security and predictability (Houck & Siegel, 2015). In forensic investigations, contextual information affects most areas of forensic science, from blood pattern analysis, to crime scene management; however, contextual information can produce a number of different outcomes from the exact same evidence, which leads to potential inaccuracies (Houck & Siegel, 2015). According to Bernstein et al. (2013), contextual information can lead to the complete disregard of any evidence that does not conform to the contextual information that was given prior to the collection of the evidence. According to Dror et al. (2006), the confirmation bias effect of contextual information, can render a lot of forensic disciplines inaccurate and prejudiced, which left unnoticed, can lead to the wrongful imprisonment of innocent people. This critical essay will show that contextual information leads to the formation of inaccurate and biased conclusions in forensic investigations. This essay will critically discuss the three areas of forensic science that are most susceptible to the formation of an inaccurate and biased conclusion, it will also highlight the issue of

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