Logic and the Human Factor in Forensic Reasoning

6 EC

Semester 1, period 2

5274LTHF6Y

Owner Master Forensic Science
Coordinator dr. Radboud Winkels
Part of Master Forensic Science, year 1

Course manual 2022/2023

Course content

We are all human, with our strengths and weaknesses, also within the field of forensic science. We may make mistakes in observations and in reasoning; others may make similar mistakes. It is important for a forensic scientist to learn what can go wrong and how it can go wrong. In this course, we will discuss the tools and methods we can use to spot shortcomings and support human reasoning.

The following topics are covered during the course:

  1. Introduction to evidential reasoning and formal methods
  2. Syllogisms, Propositional logic, truth tables
  3. Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics of languages
  4. Quantifiers and predicate logic
  5. Problems with logic and formal modeling
  6. Hypotheses and scenario reasoning
  7. Argumentation Theory and Critical Questions
  8. Common Sense knowledge, generalizations
  9. Tools for supporting argumentation
  10. Psychological Theory of Evidential Reasoning

Study materials

Literature

Objectives

  • 1. Distinguish classical reasoning faults and detect them in presented and actual cases.
  • 2. Explain and implement formal and informal arguments and deconstruct arguments given these models.
  • 3. Solve simple logical problems.
  • 4. Apply (semi-) formal methods to concrete case descriptions in natural language.
  • 5. Sketch plausible scenarios for a given fact set.
  • 6. Criticize given lines of reasoning and make implicit assumptions explicit.
  • 7. Judge which approach to argument analysis is best given a specific case.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Self-study
  • Game

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Excursie

16

Hoorcollege

22

Laptopcollege

16

Presentatie

2

Tentamen

3

Werkcollege

12

Self study

97

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER part B).

Additional requirements for this course:

It is presupposed that all students will be present in practical classes. More than 25% absence will result in failing that particular part of the course.

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

60%

Tentamen

Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory

40%

Practicals

Must be ≥ 5.5, Mandatory

All components will be graded on a scale of 1-10, with a maximum of one decimal after the point. These grades are used to calculate the final grade. In order to pass the course, the student has to have attended at least 75% of practical classes, all components and the final grade have to be sufficient, i.e. at least a five and a half. When a student has not fulfilled this requirement, the examiner will register the mark ‘did not fulfil all requirements’ (NAV) whether or not the averaged grade is sufficient.

The components will be weighted as follows:

  1. Written exam (60%)
  2. Practical (weekly) assignments combined. These will have to be made on an individual basis and handed in in time via Canvas.(40%)

The final grade will be announced at the latest 15 working days after the final course activity (January 20th). Between this date and 35 working days after the final course activity (February 17th), a post-exam discussion or inspection moment will be planned. This will be announced on Canvas and/or via email.

Both components will test whether the learning goals described above are achieved. E.g. “Distinguish classical reasoning faults and detect them in presented and actual cases” can be tested in the written exam by giving a line of reasoning and pointing out the mistake(s). A practical assignment may ask for giving examples from real life of classical reasoning errors.

LO Tested in component EQ 1 EQ 2 EQ 3 EQ 4 EQ 5 EQ 6 EQ 7 EQ 8 EQ 9 EQ 10
1 1, 3   x                
2 1, 3     x              
3 1, 3    x                
4 1, 3           x        
5 1, 3           x        
6 1, 3           x        
7 1, 3     x              
8 1, 2, 3     x              

Table of specification: the relation between the Learning Outcomes (LO) of the course, the assessment components of the course and the Exit Qualifications (EQ) of the Master’s Forensic Science (described in the Introduction in the Course Catalogue)

Assignments

Practical classes will i.a. consist of practical assignments. These will have to be made on an individual basis and handed in in time via Canvas.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
1    
2    
3    
4    
5    
6    
7    
8    

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Last year's student feedback

In order to provide students some insight how we use the feedback of student evaluations to enhance the quality of education, we decided to include the table below in all course guides.

 

 Logic and the Human Factor in Forensic Reasoning(6EC) N=29  
Strengths
  • Practicals
  • Dedication of teacher Lide
  • Structure of the logic part, well balanced amount of assignments
Notes for improvement
  • Non-logic part: no clear structure and lack of exercise opportunities
  • Logic part: linkage to the forensic science
  • The purpose and instruction of the Murder game.
Response lecturer:
  • The lecturer will review the set-up of the course and the balance between the differents parts of the course. The lecturer recognizes that the programming and coding might go a bit too much in-depth. Instead of this part, there could be more room for the human factor, and the swimlane exercise could be introduced earlier in the course.
  • The instruction for the murder game will be shared via Canvas before the exercise. In addition, the purpose will be more clearly explained. The Murder game brings a lot of aspects from the course together (and it's a fun group exercise). Aspects such as scenario thinking, alternative scenarios, analysing arguments, applying logic, making decisions.
  • It is very nice to see that students see the link with the forensic field more clearly than in previous years. The logic part trains their reasoning skills, it creates a certain analytical mind-set. In the non-logic part (although this is not the appropriate term) students for example analyse complex story lines, practice argumentation schemes, apply scenario thinking, how to link to evidence and how to make decisions. Which is all extremely important for a forensic scientist.

Contact information

Coordinator

  • dr. Radboud Winkels