VETERINARY ANALYSIS OF VIDEO EVIDENCE: THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE VETERINARIAN

It is important that the veterinarian guard against biases and provide a clear, objective analysis of the findings. With information overload there is a tendency to use mental shortcuts, heuristics, which may or may not be subject to biases. There is a tendency to prefer information less complex instead of relying on thinking and analyzing. There may be a tendency to believe witness accounts instead of carefully considering their statements. There may be a tendency to have confirmation bias which refers to believing more positive information than negative. This can result in giving negative information less weight, possibly making it ‘insignificant’. There can be the ‘anchor’ effect where there is a tendency to rely heavily on one piece of information, usually the first information encountered. Theory development and formation of judgements start at the beginning. Investigations done in a confirmatory manner may have the effect of making judgements to increase confidence of a theory instead of maintaining objectivity and considering all information. There are several things a veterinarian can do to guard against biases. The information from the case and photographs should be reviewed several times. Examine alternate theories and consider ways to disprove the manner of death or injury. Confirm that all negative evidence is documented. Encourage peer review and discuss theories and findings. With awareness of what can create bias on a subconscious level steps can be taken to form impartial and objective conclusions. […]