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OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: White Box Studies on Bloodstain Pattern Analysts

Describe

the need: SEE ALSO ATTACHED ADDENDUM for additional details.

A written method to determine the mechanism(s) by which a bloodstain pattern was 

created does not currently exist. Bloodstain pattern classification accuracy and 

reproducibility are expected to be limited without a validated written procedure for 

analysts to follow.

The referenced Bloodstain Pattern Classification Process Map is an attempt to codify the 

decision-making process for the conversion of observed characteristics into causal 

mechanisms. One research approach is to establish what definitions, observations and 

measurements are needed to make good decisions at each of the sequential binary choices 

in the process map. Research is necessary to improve and change the existing process map 

and lead to the development of a validated process. In support of method development, 

additional terminology to describe bloodstains in a non-mechanistic way need to be 

established. Additional descriptive terms would ensure classifications are based upon 

objective, physical characteristics, which would minimize subjectivity.

Another research approach is to explore alternatives to the sequential process map and 

seek methods with a lower error rate for bloodstain pattern classification.

See also the research need for white box studies for bloodstain pattern classification, which 

may also support method development.

Keyword(s):

Bloodstains, Bloodstain Patterns, Conclusions, Classification, Analysis, Variability, Accuracy, 

Error, Reproducibility, White box

Submitting subcommittee(s): Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Date Approved: March 1, 2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Standard in progress: Bloodstain Pattern Classification Standard. White box studies should lead to more reliable 

standards.
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2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

Please refer to the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Bibliography.

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

• Arthur, RM, Cockerton, S.L., de Bruin, KG, and Taylor, MC, A novel, element-based approach for the objective 

classification of bloodstain patterns, Forensic Sci Int, 2015: p.220-228.

• Hicklin, et al. Pending publication...

• Laber TL, Taylor MC, Kish PE. The Reliability of Current Methods of Sequencing Bloodstain Patterns. The Journal of 

BPA. 2014;30(1):10.

• Osborne, NKP, Taylor, MC, and Zajac, R, Exploring the role of contextual information in bloodstain pattern 

analysis: A qualitative approach, Forensic Sci Int, 2016: p. 1-8.

• Osborne, NKP, Taylor, MC, Healey, M and Zajac, R, Bloodstain pattern classification: Accuracy, effect of contextual 

information and the role of analysts characteristics, Sci Justice, 2016; 56(2): 123-128.

• Osborne, N. K. P. and M. C. Taylor (2018). Contextual information management: An example of independentchecking in the review of laboratory-based bloodstain pattern analysis. Sci Justice 2018; 58(3): 226-231.

• Taylor, MC, Laber, TL, Kish, PE, Owens, G, and Osborne, NKP, The reliability of pattern classification in bloodstain 

pattern analysis, Part I: Bloodstain patterns on rigid non-absorbent surfaces, J Forensic Sci, 2016: 

doi:10.1111/1556-4029.13091.

• Taylor, MC, Laber, TL, Kish, PE, Owens, G, and Osborne, NKP, The reliability of pattern classification in bloodstain 

pattern analysis, Part II: Bloodstain patterns on Fabric Surfaces, J Forensic Sci, 2016 (6): 1461-1466.

Additional relevant research is provided in the ADDENDUM.

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

Yes. “Objective and validated methods to classify spatter patterns by the mechanism of formation”

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

The bloodstain pattern analysis community, laboratories and accrediting bodies can use this research to inform and 

implement improvements to the methods, standard operating procedures, training programs and other quality 

assurance practices.
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6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

A white box study will generate insight into the cognitive processes that underlie the analysis of bloodstain patterns. 

The white box studies will consider factors to include: contextual information, bias, the quality of the evidence; visible 

characteristics of the bloodstains (quality, quantity, clarity, complexity, extent of bloodstain pattern, size and 

distribution).

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

The research results will identify the factors that influence analysts’ ability to accurately and reliably interpret 

bloodstain evidence. Further, the results will be valuable in promoting transparency, objectivity, and the 

communication between experts and laypersons, particularly within the criminal justice system. This research will 

provide the criminal justice system an assessment of the reliability of bloodstain pattern analysis and the weight that 

can be given to these findings.

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): I

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.