Section 1 - Brief Introduction to Some Important Concepts and Key Terms

Abstract

This section introduces quality management as it applies to the management, practice, and delivery of forensic science. Its purpose is to ensure that all readers have a common understanding of the following: what forensic science is; what a forensic scientist does; the fundamental concepts and terms of quality management and metrology; and, in addition, to recognize the existence and potential effects of cognitive bias. Key terms such as “quality,” “standard,” and “science” are defined and explained, and the requirement for competence and validity are discussed.