2. Applying a within-subject (intra-observer) experimental design.
This allows us tomeasure consistency in analysis, aswe compare
examiners to themselves. Such intra-observer measurements are
extremely accurate and informative because they are not only
statistically more powerful then inter-observer measures, but
they allow us to confidently draw conclusions because the data
cannot be attributed to individual differences, such as visual
acuity, experience, strategy, cognitive style, and training.
3. Subjecting the experimental data to statistical procedures and
standards (e.g., retest reliability) that quantify the consistency of
latent fingerprint examiners in the analysis of latent marks.
4. Statistically differentiating between factors that contribute to
inconsistencies in latent mark analysis; thus determining what
portion of the variance is attributed to the examiners’
performance and what portion is attributed to the latent marks
themselves (using statistical effect sizes).
5. Suggesting a number of recommendations for dealing with
issues surrounding latent mark analysis.