Forensic Science Chapter 1

HOSA 2025-2026 Forensics science

Analytical Skill

The ability to identify a concept or problem and isolate its component parts and organize information for decision making and appropriate conclusions

deductive reasoning

deriving conclusions from facts and using a series of logical steps

eyewitness

a person who has seen someone or something related to a crime and can communicate their observations

fact

statement that can be verified

forensic science

using science to help resolve legal matters

hypothesis

a possible explanation of a question or problem based on prior knowledge or observation

law

statement on an observed phenomenon in the natural world that appears to always hold true (does not explain why)

logical

based on clear reasoning of facts

observation

what a person perceives using their senses

opinion

personal belief founded on judgement rather than on direct experience or knowledge

perception

the brains interpretation of a situation based on opinions judgement and personal experience

theory

an explanation of phenomenon in the natural world that is supported and has been tested over and over