Forensics Quiz 3

observation

observation

something we observe using our 5 senses

analytical skills

the ability to draw conclusions

forensics

\n scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime.

perception

something we think we have seen based off of our observations.

logic

reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity.

deductive reasoning

deriving the consequences from facts using a series of logical steps

opinion

something we believe to be true. I like dogs more than cats

fact

something that is proven to be true

eye witnesses

someone who sees and witnesses a crime

describe how the thousands of pieces of info on the daily basis. What has to happen in order for the memory to be made?

info from our senses- what we pay attention to- perception- short term mem- long term mem.

everyday our brain processes information. we take in information from our senses and make observations based off of what we pay attention to. Using our observations we can make perceptions using deductive reasoning or just prior knowledge. These perceptions then turn into our short term memory to know for a small amount of time and then forget later. Very few information or thoughts go to our long term memory. Things only go into our long term memory based off of how important it is to us like when we have a baby. The memories can fade of change overtime but you will always remember it.

What 5 things make a good observer

1. make a conscious effort to examine the environment

2. observe everything slowly

3. make connections to observations

4. don’t jump to conclusions

5. photograph and take notes

what are the 2 main variables that affect eyewitness testimony? give example

estimator variable- gaps in eyewitness testimony, level of stress or trauma experienced during the crime, how far away witness was from crime scene, visibilty conditions

system variables- law enforcement procedures related to recording the eyewitnesses testimony, how the photos and lineups were set up

partial lobe

movement, orientation, recogniton, and perception of stimuli

occipital lobe

visual processing

temporal lobe

(auditory section) perception memory and speech

frontal lobe

reasoning, planning, parts of speech, emotions, and problem solving

paying attention to details requires

conscious effort

Why are eyewitness accounts faulty

because they can easily be influcened by faulty memory, false information, or even other witnesses opinions. Our memory also isnt always great and we can easily forget and accuse the wrong person of someting

What do most people THINK we do when we remember something. What can we actually compare it to

Most people think we see our memories as a video that we can just play back over and over and remeber the same exact thing the way we saw it the first time. This isnt the case. It is more like a puzzle where we have to fit the pieces together to get a full story.

is eyewitness testimony scientifically accepted

no

what mental state is best for observing

relaxed

What percentage of cases the innocence project have taken on have proved innocence

87%

What year was the innocence project established

1992