Powers of Observation P4B

Investigators must discriminate between ________ and __________

• good /bad

• black/white

• fact/opinion

• dead/alive

The Innocence Project found that most faulty convictions were based on

• out of date investigation equpment

• poor DNA sampling

• inaccurate eyewitness accounts

• officers not thoroughly observing a crime scene

All of the following are ways to improve our observational skills except 

• be sure to look at the entire area, not just the body, weapons, or signs of break in

• observe everything no matter how big or small

• when collecting evidence, record only those things that you are sure are important

• write down and photograph everything you find.

a person who has seen someone or something and can communicate these facts

• eyewitness

• scientist

• detective

• victim

interpreting information received from the senses

• opinion

• perception

• logical

• fact

deriving the consequences from the facts using a series of logical steps

• logical

• deductive reasoning

• analytical skills

• observation

Perception

• is faulty

• is not always accurate

• does not always reflect reality

• all of these choices

unrealistic expectations portrayed by TV shows that assume every crime scene will yield forensic evidence that will aid in solving a crime

• Forensics
• Forensic Science
• CSI Effect
• Deductive Reasoning

relating the application of science to law/the criminal justice system

• Forensics
• Forensic Science
• Forensic Investigator
• CSI Effect

A good observer should...

• observe quickly

• leave documentation to someone else

• jump to conclusions

• observe systematically