forensics

Forensic scientists

Professionals who collect and analyze physical evidence, report findings to law enforcement, and may testify in court.

Quantitative data

Data that is measurable (e.g., weight, height, mass).

Qualitative data

Descriptive data (e.g., color, shape, texture).

Deductive reasoning

Drawing conclusions based on known facts using logical steps.

Stages of memory

1. Perception/Attention - Initial sensory intake. 2. Encoding - Information is categorized. 3. Short-Term Memory - Temporary storage. 4. Long-Term Memory - Retained for future recall.

Emotional state impact on perception

Stress, anxiety, or strong emotions can distort perception and interfere with memory recall.

Factors affecting observational skills

1. Being alone vs. in a group. 2. Types of people/animals present. 3. Surrounding activity. 4. Visual abilities. 5. Health condition. 6. Fatigue/stress levels. 7. Emotional involvement. 8. Electronic distractions. 9. Disguises. 10. Cognitive bias.

Accurate eyewitness testimony steps

1. Separate witnesses. 2. Ask open-ended questions. 3. Compare statements with evidence. 4. Look for inconsistencies.

Minimal guidance in interviews

Interviewers should provide minimal guidance to avoid influencing witness memory.

Four interviewing techniques

1. Separate witnesses. 2. Write down observations immediately. 3. Ask open-ended questions. 4. Recount events forward and backward.

Recounting stories backward

Helps maintain false memories and indicates inconsistencies that may suggest dishonesty.

Cognitive interview

A memory-retrieval technique that includes: reinstating context, reporting everything, reversing order, and changing perspectives.

Enhanced cognitive interview components

1. Rapport building. 2. Supportive behavior. 3. Transfer of control. 4. Focused retrieval. 5. Witness-compatible questioning.

Criminal personality profile

An analysis predicting the personality, behavior, and habits of a suspect based on crime scene evidence.

Productive profiling conditions

When crimes show psychological patterns or when evidence suggests a mental disorder.

Crime scene investigator steps

1. Document the scene. 2. Collect all forensic materials. 3. Conduct victimology research.

Victimology

The study of the victim’s life, habits, and background to identify a suspect.

Organized killer characteristics

Plans crimes, leaves little evidence, socially competent.

Disorganized killer characteristics

Acts impulsively, leaves evidence, socially isolated.

Organized serial killer profile

Intelligent, well-groomed, lives far from crime scene, targets deliberately.

Disorganized serial killer profile

Below-average intelligence, socially awkward, impulsive killer.

Types of multiple murderers

1. Mass Murderer - Kills multiple victims at once. 2. Spree Murderer - Kills multiple victims over a short time. 3. Serial Murderer - Kills multiple victims in separate events.

Motivations for serial killers

Psychological urges linked to power, control, or personal gratification.

Types of serial killers

1. Visionary. 2. Mission-Oriented. 3. Hedonistic. 4. Power/Control.

Stages of a serial killer

1. Genetic predisposition. 2. Abusive mother. 3. Absent father. 4. Unstable environment. 5. Childhood trauma. 6. Brain injury. 7. Bullying. 8. Sexual abuse. 9. Hormonal imbalances.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)

A disorder where a person consistently violates others' rights and lacks remorse.

Diagnosing ASPD criteria

1. Failure to conform to social norms. 2. Deceitfulness. 3. Impulsivity. 4. Irritability/aggressiveness. 5. Consistent irresponsibility. 6. Lack of remorse.

Sociopath vs. Psychopath

Sociopaths are impulsive and emotional; Psychopaths are calculated and manipulative.

Relationships of sociopaths and psychopaths

Sociopaths have unstable lives; Psychopaths manipulate relationships without emotional attachment.