Forensic Science Basics Quiz

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following BEST describes the primary role of a Forensic Science Investigator?

  • Prosecuting criminals in a court of law.
  • Analyzing crime scenes to identify suspects.
  • Developing new technologies for crime scene investigation.
  • Collecting evidence, analyzing it, and reporting findings. (correct)

According to the provided content, which statement is MOST accurate about qualitative and quantitative data collection in forensic science?

  • Quantitative data is more reliable and thus, is always more important than qualitative data.
  • Neither qualitative nor quantitative data has value in crime scene investigations.
  • Only qualitative data is used because it is more subjective.
  • Both qualitative and quantitative data are part of the evidence collection process. (correct)

What is the significance of Paul Ekman's research in the context of forensic science?

  • His findings disproved that humans have facial micro-expressions.
  • He quantified the range of human facial expressions relevant to emotion and non-verbal communication. (correct)
  • His work focuses on techniques to modify interrogation techniques.
  • He discovered methods to detect false memories in witnesses.

Which BEST describes the application of deductive reasoning within forensic science?

<p>Deriving a conclusion based on a logical sequence of steps using available evidence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'perception' differ from raw sensory input, according to the text?

<p>Perception is the brain's interpretation of sensory observations after filtering and processing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are eyewitness observations sometimes considered unreliable in forensic investigations?

<p>External factors, such as anxiety and personal beliefs or prejudices, can interfere with an accurate memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using the scientific method in forensic science as described in the content?

<p>To provide a structured way of analyzing evidence through claim, evidence, and reasoning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is TRUE regarding the value of bystander eyewitness testimony in the context of the content?

<p>Bystander observations might be more accurate due to the lack of anxiety associated with being directly involved. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary role of a Forensic Serologist/Biologist?

<p>Analyzing biological fluids and DNA evidence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A legal document requiring a person to appear in court is known as a:

<p>Subpoena (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which individual is recognized for establishing the study of firearms evidence in the U.S. and inventing the comparison scope?

<p>Calvin Goddard (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a body is discovered, which type of forensic expert would be primarily consulted to examine insects related to the body?

<p>Forensic Entomologist (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'finder of fact' refers to the:

<p>Judge or jury determining 'right' in a case (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which forensic science pioneer is credited with developing the first fingerprint files?

<p>Juan Vucetich (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'Henry Classification System' is primarily associated with:

<p>Fingerprinting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which forensic role involves the analysis of handwriting and typeface?

<p>Questioned Document Examiner (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge forensic investigators face when using eyewitness accounts?

<p>Eyewitness memory can be unreliable and change over time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one technique an individual could use to improve their observation skills?

<p>Document everything immediately and leave interpretation until later. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the contribution of Alphonse Bertillon to forensic science?

<p>He invented a system of body measurements for identifying criminals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Locard Principle, established by Edmond Locard, primarily deal with?

<p>The exchange of trace evidence between a crime scene and an individual. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of a forensic photographer at a crime scene?

<p>To visually document the scene and its evidence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant contribution of Walter Specht to forensic science?

<p>He developed a substance that glows in contact with blood. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the contribution of Sir Alec Jeffreys to forensic science?

<p>He developed DNA fingerprinting techniques. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Trace Evidence Examiner in forensic science?

<p>To analyze and provide expert assessment on the collection of physical evidence such as hair, fibers, and paint chips. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between forensic science and criminology?

<p>Forensic science applies scientific methods to criminal investigations, while criminology deals with the social and human aspects of crime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ‘sequential unmasking’ in forensic science?

<p>It helps to minimize bias by presenting information step by step. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does accreditation of a forensic laboratory primarily ensure?

<p>The lab operates to a particular professional standard. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a trial, what role does the 'Trier of Fact' play?

<p>They analyze the evidence and make the decision for the case based on the facts presented. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does scientific merit differ from legal merit in the context of evidence and findings?

<p>Legal merit is judged by competing arguments, while scientific merit is judged by scientific processes such as reproducibility.. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Forensic Science

The application of scientific principles and techniques to legal matters, especially criminal investigations.

Forensic Science Investigator

A professional who collects and examines evidence, documenting their findings and reporting to law enforcement or testifying in court.

Quantitative Data

Data that provides numerical or measurable information.

Qualitative Data

Data that describes qualities or characteristics, rather than numbers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Deductive Reasoning

The process of drawing a conclusion based on a series of logical steps.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unconscious Filter

The unconscious filtering of sensory information, allowing us to focus on what is considered important.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Perception

Our brain's interpretation of sensory observations after processing and filtering.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Eyewitness Observation

Witness reports of events can be unreliable due to factors like faulty memory, emotional states, and personal biases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Contextual Information

Someone who provides external information about a case that can potentially influence an investigator's perception and analysis of evidence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sequential Unmasking

A process designed to limit bias in a forensic case by revealing evidence in a controlled, step-by-step manner.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Accreditation Group

A group that sets standards and procedures for ensuring a forensic lab is operating reliably and with high quality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Reproducibility

The ability of a scientific result to be repeated by other researchers using the same methods and materials.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fact

Information that can be verified (proven true) through evidence or facts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Opinion

Personal beliefs formed based on judgement or opinions, which are not necessarily true.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Conscious Observation

The process of examining an environment systematically and paying close attention to details.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Trace Evidence Analysis

Identifying and comparing physical evidence like hair, fibers, paint, etc. using scientific methods.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Locard's Exchange Principle

The principle that states that every contact leaves a trace - a piece of evidence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fingerprint Analysis

The use of scientific methods to identify and analyze fingerprints.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Crime Scene Investigation

A process of collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence carefully and systematically, then documenting findings in a report.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Criminology

The study of why criminals commit crimes, including understanding factors like motivations and patterns.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Forensic Entomologist

A type of forensic scientist who studies insects to estimate the time of death in a case.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Firearm Examiner

A specialist in examining firearms and discharged ammunition to determine the type of weapon used and other important details.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Questioned Document Examiner

A forensic scientist who analyzes handwriting and typeface on questioned documents to determine their authenticity and origin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Forensic Toxicologist

A type of forensic scientist who examines body fluids and organs to determine the presence of drugs and poisons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Forensic Serologist/Biologist

A specialist in processing, comparing, and identifying biological evidence like blood and DNA, often providing expert testimony in court.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Latent Print Examiner

Lifts fingerprints from crime scenes using powders or chemicals, analyzes them, and checks them against electronic databases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Forensic Odontology

Identifies and compares dental evidence, playing a crucial role in identifying victims and linking suspects to crimes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Forensic Science History and Careers

  • Forensic science uses science to resolve legal issues, such as crimes.
  • A forensic science investigator focuses on collecting, examining, and reporting evidence to law enforcement.
  • The examiner documents evidence and determines its significance relating it to possible court cases.
  • Forensic scientists collect qualitative and quantitative data to find evidence, and document it.
  • Excellent communication skills are essential to presenting findings to juries.
  • Forensic scientists and police officers both require analytical skills to identify and isolate problems and draw conclusions.

Significant Events

  • 1967: Paul Ekman identified 10,000 facial microexpressions and 3,000 emotions and non-verbal communication.
  • 1974: Elizabeth Loftus researched how misinformation leads to false memories.
  • 2012: Scott Fraser described the fallibility of memory reconstruction.
  • 2014: Pamela Meyer published research on detecting deception.
  • 2016: Interrogation techniques were modified for witnesses.

Observation and Perception

  • Perception is the brain's interpretation of sensory observations.
  • The brain filters and processes these observations.
  • Perception is limited, not always accurate.
  • We tend to believe what we see and hear.
  • Eyewitness observation can be faulty due to emotions and prejudices.

Eyewitness Accounts

  • Eyewitness accounts of crime scenes can vary significantly.
  • Memory fades over time, leading to inaccurate details.
  • Forensic investigators must distinguish between factual statements and opinions.
  • Eyewitnesses are tried to sequence the facts into a logical pattern.

Improving Observation Skills

  • Natural inclination to focus on parts of the environment.
  • Natural inclination to filter unimportant information.
  • Natural inclination to interpret and notice patterns.
  • Document and photograph surroundings to avoid memory flaws.
  • Effective interview techniques can help recall events in unbiased ways.

Forensic Science Timeline

  • 250 AD: Erasistratus observed increased pulse rates in dead patients.
  • 1247: Sung T'zu published a book on medical knowledge to investigate death.
  • 1840: Mathieu Orfila applied Marsh Test to detect arsenic.
  • 1883: Alphonse Bertillon invented anthropometry system.
  • 1892: Sir Francis Galton classified fingerprints.
  • 1910: Edmond Locard established the first police crime lab and defined the Locard Principle.
  • 1920s: Luke Way published "Identification of knives, tools, and instruments."

Careers in Forensic Science

  • 1937: Walter Specht developed luminol.
  • 1950: Max Frei-Sulzer used tape to lift trace evidence.
  • 1974: Gunshot residue methods were developed.
  • 1984: Sir Alec Jeffreys developed DNA fingerprinting.
  • Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) analyze crime scenes, collect evidence, and prepare reports.
  • Forensic photographers use specific lighting (UV and Infrared) to photograph crime scenes.

Trace Evidence Examiners

  • Identify and compare physical evidence like hair, fibers, etc through physical and chemical analysis.

Latent Print Examiners

  • "Lift" fingerprints from crime scenes using powders or chemicals and check databases

Forensic Serologist/Biologist

  • Process/compare and identify biological evidence.
  • Examination of blood, body fluids.

Forensic Toxicologists

  • Examine body fluids and organs to determine the presence of drugs and poisons.

Questioned Document Examiners

  • Study handwriting and typefaces to determine authenticity.

Firearm Examiner

  • Examines firearms and discharged ammunition.

Forensic Entomologist

  • Studies insects to estimate the time of death.

Forensic Computer Scientists

  • Collect and identify data from digital devices, reconstruct accidents, and examine origins of fires and explosions.

Forensic Odontology

  • Identifies and compares dental evidence.

Forensic Pathologist

  • Time of death determination; works with medical examiners/coroners, and performs autopsies.

Criminologist

  • Study of why criminals commit crimes.

Forensic Science History: Significant Figures

  • Calvin Goddard established firearm evidence study and invented comparison scopes.
  • Hans Gross wrote the first forensic science textbook.
  • Victor Balthazard advanced fingerprint analysis.
  • Juan Vucetich used fingerprints officially in the US.
  • William Hershel pioneered fingerprint use.
  • Dr. Henry Faulds developed fingerprint classification.
  • Karl Landsteiner discovered ABO blood typing.

Evidence in Court

  • Presented to a trier of fact, who makes the decision.

Ethics in Forensic Science

  • Ethical codes are provided by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
  • Example: Annie Dookhan case.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Forensic Science Careers and History PDF

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser