Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

This article is about errors in a set of population priors used in software. That could affect the outcome of tests, but it also might not. However, given that the FBI was recently caught having faked an entire field of forensic science (hair analysis), there is little reason to extend them the benefit of doubt.

The important question is: are these crime labs routinely processing control samples, and if so, are they misclassifying any of the control samples?




There is a difference between purposefully faking an entire field of science and believing in pseudoscience and not being skeptical.

The effect is the same, either way.


>and believing in pseudoscience

lie detectors are a big thing for FBI


Polygraphs? They know full well polygraphs are not "lie detectors". And a lot of the general population knows that too. They're still useful when recruiting candidates. Obviously their results are not admissible in criminal cases.




Join us for AI Startup School this June 16-17 in San Francisco!

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: