Introductory Forensic Science Quiz

Which of the following is an example of physical evidence?

• A witness statement

• A fingerprint found at the scene

• A suspect’s alibi

• A rumor about the crime

True or False: Testimonial evidence is information given by a witness under oath.

• True

• False

Which of the following is NOT a main general pattern of fingerprints?

• Arches

• Loops

• Spirals

• Whorls

What is the anatomical position?

• Lying on the back with arms at sides

• Standing upright, facing forward, arms at sides, palms facing forward

• Sitting with legs crossed

• Lying face down

Which type of evidence is generally considered the strongest in court?

• Testimonial evidence

• Circumstantial evidence

• Physical evidence

• Trace evidence

True or False: Trace evidence includes small pieces of material, such as hair or fibers, found at a crime scene.

• True

• False

Which fingerprint pattern is most common in the human population?

• Arches

• Loops

• Whorls

• Circles

A shoeprint impression is found at a crime scene. Which type of evidence does this represent?

• Testimonial

• Physical

• Circumstantial

• Trace

If a hair is found at a crime scene, what type of evidence is it classified as?

• Testimonial

• Circumstantial

• Physical

• Trace

A detective finds a partial fingerprint at a scene. What should be the next step to use this evidence effectively?

• Ignore it

• Compare it to known fingerprints in a database

• Ask witnesses about it

• Clean it off