What is confirmation bias?

Assignment 2. All questions pertain to the Steven Zaillian movie, A Civil Action (20 points).

1) What type of case was the litigation against W.R. Grace and Beatrice Foods? What type of court did it take place in? (2 pts.)

2) What were the goals of the litigation in the trial featuring W. R. Grace and Beatrice Foods (i.e., what was the plaintiff trying to get the defendants to do?)? (1 pt.)

3) Describe a clinical measure and assessment technique that could be used in this case. This either could be an existing assessment or something that could be relevant to this specific case. (2 pts.)

4) Describe a forensically relevant instrument that could be useful in this case. This either could be an existing assessment or something that could be relevant to this specific case. (2 pts.)

5) Describe a forensic assessment instrument that measures psychometric characteristics and could be useful in this case. This either could be an existing assessment or something that could be relevant to this specific case. (2 pts.)

6) What was the narrative that Jan was trying to help the jury construct? How did the testimony of John Riley (the tannery owner) alter that narrative or create a counter-narrative? (2 pts.)

7) What are some characteristics of the plaintiffs that would have made them convincing witnesses in the case? Explain. (2 pts.)

8) How does the Beatrice verdict illustrate the tension between scientific and legal standards? (2 pts.)

9) To what extent did the final settlement involve compensatory or punitive damages? (1 pt.)

10) What factors would make Mr. Granger an accurate eyewitness of the pond catching fire? What factors would make him less accurate? (2 pts.)

11) Provide an example of the confirmation bias displayed in the movie. Explain. (1 pt.)

12) Provide an example of criminal behavior displayed in the movie. Explain. (1 pt.)