What is meant by 'confirmation bias' in forensic interviews?

Confirmation bias in forensic interviews refers to the tendency of interviewers to favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses. This cognitive bias can lead to selective attention to certain facts while ignoring or downplaying evidence that may contradict the initial assumptions. In the context of a forensic interview, such bias can significantly impact the integrity of the interview process and the quality of the information gathered, as it may skew the interpretation of responses and lead to flawed conclusions about the interviewee's credibility or the accuracy of the information they provide.

Recognition of confirmation bias is critical in forensic interviewing because it highlights the necessity for interviewers to remain objective and open-minded throughout the process. By actively working to counteract this bias, interviewers can ensure a more balanced and thorough exploration of the facts, leading to more reliable outcomes in investigations.