NCJ Number
200418
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 53 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2003 Pages: 315-341
Editor(s)
Alan L. McRoberts
Date Published
May 2003
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview and understanding of form-blindness in fingerprint examiners and examines form-blindness tests in predicting an individual’s ability to complete a latent print training program in a field where visual perception is of the utmost importance.
Abstract
Form-blindness is a combined physical and mental fault, an imperfection in the brain causing the inability to interpret and correctly store what is actually focused on the human retina. Visual activity or perception is important for those performing the role of fingerprint examiners. The failure to recognize the real differences and fundamental similarities in size, shape, or form, as well as properly understanding and interpreting them, can cause problems in latent print comparison training. An analysis of form-blindness was conducted at the University of Southern Mississippi on 111 students enrolled in a forensic science program to evaluate whether form-blindness testing could be used as a predictor to determine if an applicant would be successful in completing a latent print examiner training program. In addition, secondary elements were evaluated, race, age, and academic field, for a possible correlation. The students were given two tests. Pretest 1 was a general form-blindness test designed to detect form-blindness and assess the ability of an individual to distinguish differences in sizes. Pretest 2 was designed for latent print sections and determined whether an individual could distinguish between similarities and differences in actual fingerprints. The two pretest scores were analyzed. Pretest 2 was seen as a stronger predictor than Pretest 1. However, both tests together would be a more compelling test. A multiple regression is recommended for future research. The results of this pilot study suggests that a larger, full-scale study be performed and if similar results occur, form-blindness testing would be one way of reliably screening applicants in the field of latent print examination. References and figures