Forensic Cognition

The Forensic Cognition Research Group is a vibrant team of psychological researchers interested in all aspects of forensic and cognitive psychology addressing applied issues in collaboration with practitioners from a range of backgrounds. Based in the School of Psychology & Counselling in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the group’s main aim is to better understand the perceptions, processes and systems of the criminal justice system, taking an approach that is both critical and solution-oriented to tackle real world issues. Current research broadly falls into three (overlapping) categories:

• Courtroom Processes – examples include: eyewitness testimony accuracy; expert evidence; juror and jury decision-making (including the role of stereotyping, and the effect of different legal systems and verdicts); and the impact of psychological bias in the courtroom.
• Policing and Inquiry – examples include: investigative interviewing; CCTV identification; using technology to improve eyewitness evidence; police identity and online storytelling; working with police engagement and enforcement teams to inform their approach to road safety interventions.
• Community and Citizens - examples include: citizen forensics (including digital policing and digital citizens); public perceptions of forensic evidence (including the ‘CSI Effect’); developing public-facing interactive resources, based on our empirical research, to promote safer behaviours; and using digital technologies to create empowered, informed communities in which marginalised voices can be heard.

As well as standard research outputs, we have a very strong tradition of public engagement and knowledge transfer. There are numerous BBC Series, films, interactives and short courses that members of the group have contributed to. You can also read articles published in The Conversation on our previous research.