The Cognitive Underpinnings of Bias in Forensic Mental Health Evaluations

Authors

Tess M. S. Neal, University of Nebraska Public Policy CenterFollow
Thomas Grisso, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolFollow

Date of this Version

2014

Citation

Published in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law 20:2 (2014), pp. 200–211; doi: 10.1037/a0035824

Comments

Copyright © 2014 American Psychological Association Used by permission.

Abstract

We integrate multiple domains of psychological science to identify, better understand, and manage the effects of subtle but powerful biases in forensic mental health assessment. This topic is ripe for discussion, as research evidence that challenges our objectivity and credibility garners increased attention both within and outside of psychology. We begin by defining bias and provide rich examples from the judgment and decision-making literature as they might apply to forensic assessment tasks. The cognitive biases we review can help us explain common problems in interpretation and judgment that confront forensic examiners. This leads us to ask (and attempt to answer) how we might use what we know about bias in forensic clinicians’ judgment to reduce its negative effects.