Expert opinion provides valuable guidance when empirical data are scarce or the subject matter is too large to be surveyed using traditional techniques. A well-executed expert report can reinforce patterns observed in limited data, modify the results of statistical analyses, and strengthen conclusions from distribution surveys. It can also be a low-cost alternative to more rigorous survey methods for situations where more extensive data collection would be prohibitively expensive.
An expert witness is a person who testifies about his or her specialized knowledge, usually in legal proceedings. The basis for an expert opinion must be disclosed and proven in order for the testimony to be admissible in court. Expert opinions offer clarity of complex issues, help judges and juries comprehend specialized subjects, and can guide legal strategies by helping attorneys decide what evidence to present.
In addition, an expert’s qualifications can provide important rebuttals during cross-examination. Typically, experts are recognized in their fields through education, publications, and professional experience. Relying on experts without considering their qualifications can lead to accepting unsupported claims and misinformation.
During the process of forming an expert opinion, engineers should be as thorough in their analysis as they would be in their regular professional practice outside paid consulting. They should be wary of accepting cases with low budgets or tight deadlines that can affect the quality of their work or their ability to meet the required legal standards for a defensible and compelling opinion.
During the writing of an expert report, it is helpful to interview key members of a team and include input from as many users of a product as possible. This will ensure that the design will be a good fit for a variety of end-users, rather than only for the most experienced and skilled users (anesthesiologists).
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