RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Hindsight Bias Among Psychiatrists
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 67
OP 73
VO 35
IS 1
A1 H. W. LeBourgeois III
A1 Debra A. Pinals
A1 Valerie Williams
A1 Paul S. Appelbaum
YR 2007
UL http://jaapl.org/content/35/1/67.abstract
AB It is crucial to minimize bias when offering forensic opinions; however, to our knowledge there are few, if any, existing data examining whether psychiatrists are susceptible to one source of such bias, hindsight bias. In the current study, 235 general and forensic psychiatrists reviewed hypothetical cases in which patients with suicidal or homicidal ideation presented for psychiatric care. We informed half of the participants that a suicide or homicide had occurred shortly after the patients were released from care (hindsight group) but withheld outcome information from the other participants (control group). Participants estimated the likelihood that suicide or violence would occur at the time of the patient's release and whether the standard of care had been met in each case. Responses were compared between groups for suggestions of hindsight bias. Results indicate that hindsight bias plays a role in assessments of risk, but not of negligence, and that psychiatrists who are American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) members may be less prone to respond with hindsight bias than are others.