Chapter 1-8: Forensic Science and the Scientific Method

Vocabulary flashcards covering key forensic science concepts, the scientific method, evidence handling, and notable case examples from the lecture.

Forensic science

An applied science that uses principles from physical and natural sciences to analyze evidence recovered at a crime scene.

Applied science

Using fundamental scientific principles to solve real-world problems, such as investigating crime scenes.

Hans Gross

Early criminologist who described the use of scientific principles in criminal investigation.

Evidence

Material collected from a crime scene that can be analyzed to answer questions about what happened.

First responders

The initial personnel to arrive at a crime scene who secure the area and begin evidence collection.

Photographic unit

The team responsible for photographing the crime scene and documenting evidence visually.

Toxicology

The branch of science dealing with the analysis of bodily fluids and tissues to detect drugs, poisons, or chemicals.

Voice analysis

The process of comparing voice recordings to identify individuals based on unique voice signals and pitch.

Echo

A sound reflection that returns after bouncing off a surface; foundational to acoustics and sonar.

Acoustic signal

A measurable sound pattern used to distinguish individuals or objects in the environment.

Independent variable

The variable deliberately changed in an experiment to test its effect.

Dependent variable

The variable measured to assess the effect of changes to the independent variable.

Hypothesis

An educated, testable guess proposed to explain a phenomenon or answer a question.

Scientific method

A systematic process of observation, question, hypothesis, experimentation, and evaluation to explain phenomena.

Anthrax letters case

A historical forensic case where handwriting, DNA, and postmark clues helped identify a suspect; the perpetrator reportedly killed himself.

Handwriting analysis

Examining handwriting to determine if samples match and potentially identify authors.

Postmark

The postal mark indicating where and when mail was processed, used in tracing origins.

Printing defects

Flaws in printed stamps or envelopes caused by worn printing plates, helping link items to a common origin.

Printing plates degradation

Wear and deterioration of printing plates over time, leading to distinctive defects in produced items.

Envelope origin linking

Linking envelopes with similar defects to a particular post office or production batch.

Coin defects analogy

Using defective coins (e.g., missing letters) to illustrate how manufacturing defects can identify origins.

Expert testimony

Testimony by a trained forensic scientist about findings and their significance presented in court.

Admissibility

Legal standards that determine whether forensic evidence may be presented in court.

Jury vs. judge in evaluating evidence

The judge decides admissibility; the jury evaluates the significance of the evidence and guilt/innocence.

Theory vs. law

A theory is a well-supported explanation; a law is a consistent, universal rule observed in nature (e.g., gravity).