Recent misconceptions about the "database search problem": a probabilistic analysis using Bayesian networks

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_B46ABE5E19CD
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Recent misconceptions about the "database search problem": a probabilistic analysis using Bayesian networks
Journal
Forensic Science International
Author(s)
Biedermann A., Gittelson S., Taroni F.
ISSN
0379-0738
Publication state
Published
Issued date
10/2011
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
212
Number
1-3
Pages
51-60
Language
english
Abstract
This paper analyses and discusses arguments that emerge from a recent discussion about the proper assessment of the evidential value of correspondences observed between the characteristics of a crime stain and those of a sample from a suspect when (i) this latter individual is found as a result of a database search and (ii) remaining database members are excluded as potential sources (because of different analytical characteristics). Using a graphical probability approach (i.e., Bayesian networks), the paper here intends to clarify that there is no need to (i) introduce a correction factor equal to the size of the searched database (i.e., to reduce a likelihood ratio), nor to (ii) adopt a propositional level not directly related to the suspect matching the crime stain (i.e., a proposition of the kind 'some person in (outside) the database is the source of the crime stain' rather than 'the suspect (some other person) is the source of the crime stain'). The present research thus confirms existing literature on the topic that has repeatedly demonstrated that the latter two requirements (i) and (ii) should not be a cause of concern.
Keywords
Database search, Evidential value, Bayesian networks
Create date
29/09/2011 13:39
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:22
Usage data