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DNA evidence is a common component of Australian criminal trials and jurors are increasingly required to understand and evaluate probabilistic DNA evidence and apply it to a case. However, jurors may lack the knowledge and capacity to accurately interpret the probative value of complex scientific and mathematical evidence, which increases the risk of a miscarriage of justice.

Psychological theory on human learning predicts that communicating probabilistic DNA information using multimedia (i.e., verbal explanations with visual images) may reduce cognitive demands and improve overall memory and comprehension. Other research suggests that jurors may be swayed by vivid multimedia displays and evaluate the information less critically.

How the law should attempt to regulate the presentation of expert testimony on DNA evidence and multimedia is controversial and currently under-researched. This project funded by the Australian Criminology Councilexamines whether audiovisual instruction improves jury understanding and use of expert evidence on the science of DNA technology and mathematical concepts about Random Match Probability (RMP) in simulated criminal trials.

Whether multimedia displays facilitate or prejudice juror decision making in a criminal trial is the focus of these studies.

 

People involved in this project:

Jane Goodman-Delahunty, School of Psychology

Lindsay Hewson, School of Medical Sciences (Educational Media Unit) Link

Berenike Waubert de Puiseau

Daniel Calizaya-Jave

 

People formerly involved in this project:

Stephanie Dartnall

Rebecca Fink

Sophie Rabone