Forensic ScienceFundamentals and Investigations

Ms. Walker

Chapter 1 Part 1

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Today’s Objectives

• Define forensic science (introduction).

• Define observation, and describe when changes occur in the brain while observing.

The purpose is for students to learn how and why observation is important to investigations. Also, learn why the brain is an important organ in the body in processing information.

The essential question: What is observation?

Vocabulary

• Forensic

•Observations

•Perception

Forensic Science

•What is Forensic Science?

According to the National Institute of Justice, “Forensic science is the application of sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering to matters of law.”

• What is a Forensic Investigator?

According to Bertino and Bertino, “ Is the ability to observe, interpret and report observations clearly.

What do Forensic Investigators Depend on?

• Observing a crime scene

• Collection of evidence

They must identify: Evidence, Record the evidence and Determine its significance.

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Crime Scene Grid

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First Step in FS Investigation- Observation

• Observation- is what a person perceives using his or her own senses.

• We use our senses as part of our observations skills.

Our Senses:

Sight

Taste

Hearing

Smell

Touch

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Test Your Observations Skills: Picture 1

Test Your Observation Skills: Picture 2

Test Your Observation Skills: Picture 3

Our Brain- The Processing Unit

• As much as our senses help our observation skills. Our brains select what information they take in.

• Our brains pay attention to what’s important. However, what is important is decided by factors that vary.

Selective Attention

How information is processed in the brain Figure 1.2

Information from our

senses

What we pay

attention toPerception

Short-Term Memory

Long-Term Memory

Brain and Perception

Read this sentence fast, 3 times.

• If you are feeling like your brain is defective, do not worry; the brain, while faulty, is still good at providing us with the information we need to survive.

• If you are feeling like your brain is defective, do not worry; the brain, while faulty, is still good at providing us with the information we need to survive.

In Summary

•Our ability to observe is affected by our environment and the natural filters of sensory information in our brains.