Association Uncertainty
Definition
Uncertainty about how a specimen relates to the material or event under investigation. The observed location of a specimen is one part of its history. Transfer, movement, pre-existing infestation or later handling can affect its relationship to the material being examined.
- Context
- Specimen interpretation
For example, uncertainty about whether an insect transferred during recovery can remain even after its species has been identified reliably in the laboratory.
Identification establishes what was examined, while association concerns how it relates to the event. A clean laboratory result does not resolve an unsupported scene association.
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