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What is Evidential Statistics?
Evidential statistics is the math that helps forensic scientists understand the degree of confidence after their measurement is made. Experts call this uncertainty. Evaluating uncertainty provides essential context for interpreting results. This information helps criminal justice professionals understand the strengths and limitations of their evidence.
What is NIST’s Role?
Our experts:
- Address statistical challenges that affect how evidence is evaluated, interpreted and communicated across multiple forensic fields.
- Develop tools and algorithms to help forensic scientists assess uncertainty and evaluate their methods.
- Provide statistical support to criminal justice professionals, connecting mathematical theory to everyday forensic science practice.