Forensics 2.0

Here is a set of flashcards covering all the requested topics from the slides:

Forensic Science Basics

πŸƒ Q: What do forensic scientists do?
πŸ”Ή A: They collect and analyze physical evidence, report findings to law enforcement, and may testify in court.

πŸƒ Q: What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Quantitative data: Measurable (e.g., weight, height, mass).

  • Qualitative data: Descriptive (e.g., color, shape, texture).

πŸƒ Q: What is deductive reasoning?
πŸ”Ή A: Drawing a conclusion based on known facts using logical steps.

Memory & Observation

πŸƒEyewitness Testimony & Interviews

πŸƒ Q: What steps do investigators take to determine if witness testimony is ac Q: What are the stages of memory?
πŸ”Ή A:

  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.

πŸƒ Q: How does a person’s emotional state impact what they see?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Stress, anxiety, or strong emotions can distort perception.

  • Fear can interfere with memory recall.

  • Witnesses may overlook details under stress.

πŸƒ Q: Name ten factors that affect observational skills.
πŸ”Ή A:

  1. Being alone vs. in a group

  2. Number and types of people/animals

  3. Surrounding activity

  4. Visual abilities

  5. Health condition

  6. Fatigue/stress levels

  7. Emotional involvement

  8. Electronic distractions

  9. Disguises

  10. Cognitive bias

curate?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Separate witnesses to prevent influence.

  • Ask open-ended questions.

  • Compare statements with evidence.

  • Look for inconsistencies.

πŸƒ Q: How much guidance should an interviewer provide to a witness?
πŸ”Ή A: Minimal to avoid influencing memory.

πŸƒ Q: What are the four interviewing techniques?
πŸ”Ή A:

  1. Separate witnesses – Prevents influence.

  2. Write down observations immediately – Reduces memory contamination.

  3. Ask open-ended questions – Encourages details.

  4. Recount events forward and backward – Detects false memories.

πŸƒ Q: Why ask a witness to recount their story forward and backward?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Harder to maintain false memories in reverse.

  • Inconsistencies can indicate dishonesty.

  • Strengthens recall of actual events.

πŸƒ Q: What is the cognitive interview?
πŸ”Ή A: A memory-retrieval technique using:

  1. Reinstating context – Recall setting details.

  2. Reporting everything – Witness shares all observations.

  3. Reversing order – Story told backward.

  4. Changing perspectives – View from different angles.

πŸƒ Q: What are the additional components of the enhanced cognitive interview?
πŸ”Ή A:

  1. Rapport building – Comforting the witness.

  2. Supportive behavior – Avoiding interruptions.

  3. Transfer of control – Witness leads the conversation.

  4. Focused retrieval – Using only open-ended questions.

  5. Witness-compatible questioning – Following the witness’s thought process.

Criminal Profiling & Investigative Techniques

πŸƒ Q: What is a criminal personality profile?
πŸ”Ή A: An analysis predicting the personality, behavior, and habits of a suspect based on crime scene evidence and victimology.

πŸƒ Q: When can profiling be productive?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • When crimes show psychological patterns (e.g., sadistic torture, postmortem mutilation).

  • When evidence suggests a mental disorder.

πŸƒ Q: What steps must crime scene investigators take to assist profilers?
πŸ”Ή A:

  1. Document the scene (photos, sketches, reports).

  2. Collect all forensic materials.

  3. Conduct victimology research.

πŸƒ Q: What is victimology, and what items are needed for a profile?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Victimology: Study of the victim’s life, habits, and background to identify a suspect.

  • Needed items:

    1. Crime scene photos

    2. Neighborhood demographics

    3. Medical examiner’s report

    4. Victim’s travel history

    5. Full incident report

    6. Background on the victim

Organized vs. Disorganized Killers

πŸƒ Q: What is the difference between an organized and disorganized killer?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Organized Killer: Plans the crime, leaves little evidence, socially competent.

  • Disorganized Killer: Acts impulsively, leaves evidence, socially isolated.

πŸƒ Q: What is the profile of an organized serial killer?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Intelligent, well-groomed, lives far from the crime scene.

  • Targets victims deliberately, uses restraints.

  • Hides body, removes evidence, may transport the victim.

πŸƒ Q: What is the profile of a disorganized serial killer?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Below-average intelligence, socially awkward.

  • Kills impulsively, leaves body at the crime scene.

  • No clean-up, evidence left behind.

Types of Multiple Murderers

πŸƒ Q: What are the three types of multiple murderers?
πŸ”Ή A:

  1. Mass Murderer – Kills multiple victims at once in one location.

  2. Spree Murderer – Kills multiple victims over a short time in different locations.

  3. Serial Murderer – Kills multiple victims in separate events over time.

Serial Killers & Motivations

πŸƒ Q: What motivates serial killers?
πŸ”Ή A:

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

πŸƒ Q: What are the four types of serial killers?
πŸ”Ή A:

  1. Visionary – Feels commanded to kill.

  2. Mission-Oriented – Seeks to "cleanse" society.

  3. Hedonistic – Kills for pleasure (lust, thrill, comfort).

  4. Power/Control – Enjoys dominance over victims.

πŸƒ Q: What are the nine stages of a serial killer?
πŸ”Ή A:

  1. Genetic predisposition

  2. Abusive or neglectful mother

  3. Absent or abusive father

  4. Unstable home environment

  5. Childhood trauma (ages 3-5)

  6. Brain injury

  7. Bullying

  8. Sexual abuse (ages 8-11)

  9. Hormonal/chemical imbalances

Psychopathy & Sociopathy

πŸƒ Q: What is antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)?
πŸ”Ή A: A disorder where a person consistently violates others' rights and lacks remorse.

πŸƒ Q: What are the six criteria for diagnosing ASPD?
πŸ”Ή A:

  1. Failure to conform to social norms

  2. Deceitfulness

  3. Impulsivity

  4. Irritability/aggressiveness

  5. Consistent irresponsibility

  6. Lack of remorse

πŸƒ Q: What is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Sociopaths – Impulsive, emotional, prone to outbursts.

  • Psychopaths – Calculated, manipulative, lack empathy.

πŸƒ Q: How do sociopaths and psychopaths differ in relationships?
πŸ”Ή A:

  • Sociopaths – Unstable personal lives, short-term relationships.

  • Psychopaths – Use relationships for manipulation, no emotional attachment.

These flashcards cover all the requested topics in a study-friendly format. Let me know if you need any adjustments! 😊