Podcast
Questions and Answers
What role does a forensic entomologist serve in a criminal investigation?
What role does a forensic entomologist serve in a criminal investigation?
Which forensic discipline is primarily concerned with identifying and comparing dental evidence?
Which forensic discipline is primarily concerned with identifying and comparing dental evidence?
Which of the following contributions was made by Karl Landsteiner in the field of forensic science?
Which of the following contributions was made by Karl Landsteiner in the field of forensic science?
What is the primary focus of forensic science as it relates to criminal investigations?
What is the primary focus of forensic science as it relates to criminal investigations?
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Who was the first person to officially use fingerprints as a method of identification?
Who was the first person to officially use fingerprints as a method of identification?
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What is a primary responsibility of a Forensic Science Investigator?
What is a primary responsibility of a Forensic Science Investigator?
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Which of the following best describes the process of Deductive Reasoning in forensic science?
Which of the following best describes the process of Deductive Reasoning in forensic science?
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What factor can contribute to the fallibility of memory in eyewitness accounts?
What factor can contribute to the fallibility of memory in eyewitness accounts?
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What role does the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Model play in forensic investigations?
What role does the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Model play in forensic investigations?
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Which statement about eyewitness observation is true?
Which statement about eyewitness observation is true?
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Which significant event in forensic science relates to the understanding of false memories?
Which significant event in forensic science relates to the understanding of false memories?
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In the context of perception, what limitation is highlighted regarding how humans interpret sensory information?
In the context of perception, what limitation is highlighted regarding how humans interpret sensory information?
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What is the significance of the Locard Principle established by Edmond Locard?
What is the significance of the Locard Principle established by Edmond Locard?
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Which of the following techniques was developed by Max Frei - Sulzer in 1950?
Which of the following techniques was developed by Max Frei - Sulzer in 1950?
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What behavioral tendency can hinder an observer's ability to recall events accurately?
What behavioral tendency can hinder an observer's ability to recall events accurately?
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Which forensic science milestone occurred in 1883?
Which forensic science milestone occurred in 1883?
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What is a common mistake individuals make regarding their memories in forensic investigations?
What is a common mistake individuals make regarding their memories in forensic investigations?
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Which development in forensic science was achieved in 1984?
Which development in forensic science was achieved in 1984?
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How should an investigator sequence facts after interviewing eyewitnesses?
How should an investigator sequence facts after interviewing eyewitnesses?
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What role does a forensic photographer play in crime scene investigations?
What role does a forensic photographer play in crime scene investigations?
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What characteristic distinguishes the profession of a Latent Print Examiner?
What characteristic distinguishes the profession of a Latent Print Examiner?
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Which strategy enhances an observer's ability to recall events effectively?
Which strategy enhances an observer's ability to recall events effectively?
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Study Notes
Forensic Science History & Careers
- Forensic science uses scientific methods to solve legal matters, such as crimes.
- A forensic scientist focuses on collecting, examining, documenting, and reporting evidence to law enforcement. They may also testify in court about their findings.
- The forensic scientist is responsible for identifying and determining the significance of evidence.
- Forensic scientists need to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.
- Effective communication skills are crucial for forensic scientists to present their findings to a jury and convince them of their conclusions.
- Forensic scientists and police officers both use analytic skills— identifying a problem, isolating it, & drawing conclusions.
Significant Events in Forensic Science
- 1967: Paul Ekman found that humans make thousands of microexpressions, linked to emotions.
- 1974: Elizabeth Loftus explained how misinformation affects memory.
- 2012: Scott Fraser described the fallibility of reconstructive memory.
- 2014: Pamela Meyer published work on detecting lies.
- 2016: Interrogation techniques were modified for eyewitnesses.
Observation and Perception
- Observation is how people perceive things through their senses.
- Perception is the brain's interpretation of sensory observations.
- Our brains filter and process sensory information, leading to possible inaccuracies in perceptions.
- Eyewitnesses' perceptions can be inaccurate due to factors like anxiety, prejudice, and personal beliefs.
Eyewitness Accounts
- Eyewitness accounts of crime scenes can vary considerably.
- Memory fades over time, and brains may fill in missing details, often inaccurately.
- Forensic investigators need to differentiate between verifiable facts and personal opinions.
- Investigators try to logically sequence eyewitness facts to develop a cohesive account.
Improving Observation Skills
- People naturally filter out information, which leads to incomplete observation:
- Systematic observation of the environment can aid in more thorough observation.
- People are inclined to interpret patterns that may not exist.
- Document everything observed during observation.
- Interview techniques can aid in recalling events.
Forensic Science Timeline
- 250 BCE: Erasistratus noted that patients' pulse rates increased before death.
- 1247: Sung Tzu wrote about using medical knowledge for investigations.
- 1840: Mathieu Orfila used the Marsh test to detect arsenic.
- 1883: Alphonse Bertillon invented anthropometry.
- 1892: Sir Francis Galton classified fingerprints.
- 1910: Edmond Locard established the first police crime lab, and developed the Locard Exchange Principle.
- 1920s: Luke Way published "Identification of knives, tools, and instruments."
Forensic Science Methods & Roles
- 1937: Walter Specht developed Luminol to detect blood.
- 1950: Max Frei & Sulzer first used adhesive tape for lifting trace evidence.
- 1974: Scientists developed gunshot residue methods.
- 1984: Sir Alec Jeffreys developed DNA fingerprinting.
- Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs): Analyze crime scenes, collect evidence, and document it in reports.
- Forensic Photographers: Visually document crime scenes using various light types.
- Trace Evidence Examiners: Identify and compare physical evidence(hair, fibers, etc).
- Latent Fingerprint Examiners: Use methods to develop and lift latent fingerprints found at crime scenes, and check against databases.
- Forensic Serologists/Biologists: Examine body fluids and biological evidence.
- Forensic Toxicologists: Examine body fluids and organs to detect the presence of drugs or poisons.
- Questioned Document Examiners: Examine handwriting and typefaces to detect authenticity.
- Firearm Examiners: Examine firearms and ammunition.
- Forensic Entomologists: Analyze insect evidence to determine time of death.
- Forensic Computer Scientists: Collect and analyze digital evidence from computers & devices.
- Forensic Engineers: Investigate the origins of fires, explosions, & accidents.
- Forensic Odontologists: Use dental evidence to identify individuals.
- Forensic Pathologists: Determine the cause of death and perform autopsies.
- Criminologists: Study the behavior of criminals.
Other Important Figures and Events in Forensic Science
- Calvin Goddard: Developed firearm analysis in the U.S.
- Hans Gross: Released a textbook on forensic science.
- Victor Bathazard: Advanced fingerprint, firearm and hair analysis.
- Juan Vucitech: Used fingerprints officially.
- William Hershel: Used fingerprinting as a method of identification.
- Dr. Henry Faulds: Classified fingerprints.
- Karl Landsteiner: Discovered ABO blood typing.
- The Henry Classification System: classification for fingerprinting in Europe
- The Adversarial System: where lawyers present their cases to a jury, who determines the outcome of the case.
Forensic Ethics
- The American Academy of Forensic Sciences has a code of ethics for members.
- Annie Dookhan Boston Example: a case emphasizing the importance of ethics in forensic science
- Ethical considerations in the collection, analysis, and presentation of evidence.
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Description
This quiz explores the history and significant developments in forensic science, as well as the essential roles and skills required for forensic scientists. Delve into key events that have shaped the field and understand the importance of communication and analytical skills in solving crimes.
