Forensics Semester 1

The origin of the word Forensics, forensis, means "in open court/public" or "of the forum."

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The word Forensics comes from the Latin word 'forensis' which means 'in open court/public' or 'of the forum'. Therefore, the statement is true.

An opinion is a statement or information that can be verified.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

An opinion is a statement that cannot be verified. In this case, the correct choice is False, as opinions are subjective and cannot be proven.

Through our senses of sight, taste, hearing, smell, and touch, we gather information about what is around us.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Our senses of sight, taste, hearing, smell, and touch provide information about our surroundings. This is true.

A psychologist who has spent the last 50 years studying faces, Paul Ekman is a leading on:

• facial analysis and deception.

• forensic analysis and discovery.

• body language.

• forensic analysis and truth.

Answer explanation

Paul Ekman, a psychologist, is a leading expert in facial analysis and deception, studying faces for 50 years.

All are true of perception EXCEPT...

• it can be faulty

• it is the interpreting of information received from the senses

• it can be affected by previous experiences

• it is always accurate

Answer explanation

Perception is the interpreting of information received from the senses and can be affected by previous experiences. However, it can be faulty. The statement 'it is always accurate' is incorrect.

A person who has seen someone or something related to a crime and can communicate these facts is:

• a suspect

• a court reporter

• an eyewitness

• a personal observer

Answer explanation

An eyewitness is a person who has seen someone or something related to a crime and can communicate these facts. They provide firsthand information and are crucial in identifying the correct details.

Deriving a conclusion from the facts using a series of logical steps is:

• observation

• logical

• deductive reasoning

• perception

Answer explanation

Deriving a conclusion from the facts using logical steps is deductive reasoning.

When gathering eyewitness testimony, the investigator should...

• keep in mind that memories can be faulty due to factors such as distractions

• wait at least a week to allow stress levels and emotions to return to normal

• ask leading questions

• question all of the witnesses together

Answer explanation

When gathering eyewitness testimony, it is important to consider that memories can be faulty due to distractions.

Stress can enhance the brain's ability to construct accurate memories.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Stress does not enhance memory accuracy. The correct choice is False.

The following is an example of qualitative data:

• 5'6"

• brown hair

• 150 lbs.

• 3 dogs

Answer explanation

Qualitative data refers to descriptive characteristics or attributes that cannot be measured numerically. In this case, 'brown hair' is an example of qualitative data.