Use of Bayesian networks in forensic soil casework

S.C.A. Uitdehaag; T. H. Donders; Irene Kuiper; F. Wagner-Cremer; M. J. Sjerps

doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2022.02.005

Use of Bayesian networks in forensic soil casework

S.C.A. Uitdehaag^*, T. H. Donders, Irene Kuiper, F. Wagner-Cremer, M. J. Sjerps

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

Abstract

Forensic soil comparisons can be of high evidential value in a forensic case, but become complex when multiple methods and factors are considered. Bayesian networks are well suited to support forensic practitioners in complex casework. This study discusses the structure of a Bayesian network, elaborates on the in- and output data and evaluates two examples, one using source level propositions and one using activity level propositions. These examples can be applied as a template to construct a case specific network and can be used to assess sensitivity of the target output to different factors and identify avenues for research.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	229-238
Number of pages	10
Journal	Science and Justice
Volume	62
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2022.02.005
Publication status	Published - Mar 2022

Funding

The authors are grateful to the anonymous referees for their fruitful comments. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Keywords

Activity level
Bayesian network
Distance measure
Elemental composition
Evaluate propositions
Palynology
Soil comparison
Source level

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10.1016/j.scijus.2022.02.005Licence: CC BY

1-s2.0-S1355030622000223-mainFinal published version, 626 KBLicence: CC BY

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abstract = "Forensic soil comparisons can be of high evidential value in a forensic case, but become complex when multiple methods and factors are considered. Bayesian networks are well suited to support forensic practitioners in complex casework. This study discusses the structure of a Bayesian network, elaborates on the in- and output data and evaluates two examples, one using source level propositions and one using activity level propositions. These examples can be applied as a template to construct a case specific network and can be used to assess sensitivity of the target output to different factors and identify avenues for research.",

keywords = "Activity level, Bayesian network, Distance measure, Elemental composition, Evaluate propositions, Palynology, Soil comparison, Source level",

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AU - Wagner-Cremer, F.

AU - Sjerps, M. J.

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AB - Forensic soil comparisons can be of high evidential value in a forensic case, but become complex when multiple methods and factors are considered. Bayesian networks are well suited to support forensic practitioners in complex casework. This study discusses the structure of a Bayesian network, elaborates on the in- and output data and evaluates two examples, one using source level propositions and one using activity level propositions. These examples can be applied as a template to construct a case specific network and can be used to assess sensitivity of the target output to different factors and identify avenues for research.

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KW - Bayesian network

KW - Distance measure

KW - Elemental composition

KW - Evaluate propositions

KW - Palynology

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KW - Source level

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Use of Bayesian networks in forensic soil casework

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Keywords

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