Summary of the 5 steps of the scientific method Observation: This step involves observing the crime scene and collecting relevant data, such as the point of entry, evidence left behind, and any patterns or similarities with other incidents. Hypothesis: Based on the observations, a hypothesis is formulated, which is a proposed explanation for the observed phenomenon. In this case, a hypothesis could be that the perpetrator has a consistent modus operandi of entering homes through unlocked windows. Experimentation: In a criminal investigation, experimentation involves conducting tests or further investigations to gather more evidence and support or refute the hypothesis. For example, forensic analysis of the shoe print collected from the flower …show more content…
This hypothesis guides further investigation and analysis to gather evidence and support the conclusion. Experimentation and Analysis: The collected shoe prints from the flower bed are analyzed and compared to shoe prints found at other crime scenes. Forensic tests may be conducted to identify the make and model of the shoe, as well as any unique characteristics that could help identify the perpetrator. Through experimentation and analysis, conclusions can be drawn regarding the perpetrator's identity and connection to the other assaults. Deductive and Inductive …show more content…
Hypothesis: The perpetrator likely targets homes with easy access through unlocked windows. Experimentation: Police conducted surveys to determine the prevalence of unlocked windows in the neighborhood. Analysis: Data confirms a high incidence of unlocked windows in targeted areas. Conclusion: To manage the risk, law enforcement advises residents to secure their windows and conducts patrols in vulnerable neighborhoods to deter further incidents. Identifying Potential Suspects: Observation: Shoe prints matching a specific pattern are found at various crime scenes. Hypothesis: Perpetrators likely wear distinctive footwear with a unique tread pattern. Experimentation: Forensic analysis is conducted on the shoe prints to determine make and model. Analysis: Results show a specific brand and size of shoe linked to the print. Conclusion: Investigators narrowed down potential suspects based on individuals known to own or wear shoes matching the analyzed prints, allowing them to focus resources on those most likely responsible. Allocating Investigative Resources: Observation: Similarities in modus operandi suggest a serial offender. Hypothesis: Perpetrators may have a specific routine or target profile. Experimentation: Profiling experts analyze crime scene data to create a behavioral profile of the offender. Analysis: The profile indicates patterns such as time of
Adler, F., Mueller, G. O. W., & Laufer. W. S. (2001). Criminology. (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
The following paper explores a homicide scene at a convenience store / gas station at 3 a.m. The material of the investigation is represented with a number of visible evidence, the dead body with an apparent gunshot wound in the chest and the testimony of the first officer at the scene. The paper is divided into four parts, including the general overview (introduction), latent impression processing, people’s involvement investigation procedure and evidence package for the further fingerprint analysis. The crime scene investigation protocol used in this paper includes interview, examination, photographing, sketching and processing itself (Castleman, 2000: 23). Observing the homicide scene we omit the analysis of the preliminary procedures as security of the scene, integrity precautions, photographing and sketching.
It is composed of several steps, it starts with observations. Observations are where a person collects known data concerning what you are going to test on. Next they formulate a hypothesis based on their observations. After they have a hypothesis they perform several experiments to prove or disprove it.
Understanding Crime: Theory and Practice. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishers. Woodham, J., & Toye, K. (2007). Empirical Tests of Assumption of Case Linkages & Offender’s profiling with Commercial Robbery.
Biology literally means "the study of life". Biology is such a broad field, covering the minute workings of chemical machines inside our cells, to broad scale concepts of ecosystems and global climate change. Biologists study intimate details of the human brain, the composition of our genes, and even the functioning of our reproductive system. Biologists recently all but completed the deciphering of the human genome, the sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) bases that may determine much of our innate capabilities and predispositions to certain forms of behavior and illnesses. DNA sequences have played major roles in criminal cases (O.J. Simpson, as well as the reversal of death penalties for many wrongfully convicted individuals), as well as the impeachment of President Clinton (the stain at least did not lie). We are bombarded with headlines about possible health risks from favorite foods (Chinese, Mexican, hamburgers, etc.) as well as the potential benefits of eating other foods such as cooked tomatoes. Informercials tout the benefits of metabolism-adjusting drugs for weight loss. Many Americans are turning to herbal remedies to ease arthritis pain, improve memory, as well as improve our moods. Can a biology book give you the answers to these questions? No, but it will enable you learn how to sift through the biases of investigators, the press, and others in a quest to critically evaluate the question. To be honest, five years after you are through with this class it is doubtful you would remember all the details of meatbolism. However, you will know where to look and maybe a little about the process of science that will allow you to make an informed decision. Will you be a scientist? Yes, in a way. You may not be formally trained as a science major, but you can think critically, solve problems, and have some idea about what science can and cannoit do. I hope you will be able to tell the shoe from the shinola.
The Scientific Method is the standardized procedure that scientists are supposed to follow when conducting experiments, in order to try to construct a reliable, consistent, and non-arbitrary representation of our surroundings. To follow the Scientific Method is to stick very tightly to a order of experimentation. First, the scientist must observe the phenomenon of interest. Next, the scientist must propose a hypothesis, or idea in which the experiments will be based around. Then, through repeated experimentation, the hypothesis can either be proven false or become a theory. If the hypothesis is proven to be false, the scientist must reformulate his or her ideas and come up with another hypothesis, and the experimentation begins again. This process is to be repeated until a theory is produced. The production of a theory is usually called the conclusion. After considerable testing of the theory, it may become what is known as a law, but laws are only formed in very rare occasions where the theory can be proven without a doubt, which is usually done through induction.
Holmes, R., & Holmes, S. (1996). Profiling violent crimes: An investigative tool (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
The scientific method is the analyzation of evidence, to examine a case from every angle possible, to not give up on an investigation until all of the angles are covered and to not allow personal emotions create a bias in their mind (Osterburg 2010). A scientific method example would be when an investigator arrives to a crime scene, they would first search the area for clues and see if something doesn’t seem right. Next they would have to search for different forms of evidence, most important would be trace evidence because it can provide DNA evidence which can also link a suspect to the crime. There are many more ways evidence and other clues can be harvested from a crime scene but it is up to the investigator to use their knowledge and help find the person responsible for the crime
Review, PubMed PMID: 19543886. Saferstein, R. (2011). Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science (10th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Morgan, R., Maguire, M. And Reiner, R. (2012). The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gaensslen, R. E., Harris, H A., & Lee, H. (2008). Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. .
scientific method is a search of knowledge for the experts of the crime. With the scientific method they
When two variables are merged together it may have a negative outcome or a positive outcome. In order to fully verify if the first variable has influence on the second variable is to put the variables to examine and observe how they respond when combined. The only way to know a cause and effect relationship between two variables is to conduct a scientific experiment. A scientific experiment is a “test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, to examine the validity of a hypothesis, or to determine the efficacy of something previously untried” (Experiment). A scientific experiment has requirements and rules that must be met in order for the experiment to be valid and reliable.
What is the scientific method? The scientific method is a process used to test ideas and views of some specific issue or situation. It is based on a system of observations and questions to try to figure out or explain the issue and then a more organized research takes place where hypothesis and experiments are formulated giving life to what is call “scientific method” The result is a ladder of phases that starts with observations and when questions are formulated a hypothesis is developed.
Psychologists propose explanations for human behaviour without carrying out any prior research first. While the everyday judgements we make about human behaviour are subjective and anecdotal, researchers use the scientific method to study psychology in an objective and systematic way. The scientific method is used by Psychologists to conduct their research.