Table of Contents

An introduction

Observation and Description of a Phenomenon or Group of Phenomenons

Formulation of a theory or theories to explain phenomena

Use of the hypotheses to predict new phenomena or quantitatively predict their results

Independent experimenters performing tests on predictions

In conclusion

An initial statement

Scientists use this method of investigation to carry out their research. Many researchers use this method to study the physical and natural phenomena that occur in our world. The end result of a scientist’s theory creation can be corrupted by human error. It is human error that causes this mistake. Personal and cultural beliefs will affect the end interpretations. A forensic examiner is a person who has been certified to use scientific methods for forensics. A forensic expert is highly skilled and has the necessary knowledge to use scientific methods in order to reach professional conclusions.

The scientific examiner is able to reduce human bias and prejudice when they are evaluating the theories and hypotheses. In forensics, the scientific approach was never used because forensics is concerned with past incidents and past incidents have characteristics that are beyond the capabilities of scientific methods. Past events are not observable due to the execution of them. Physical evidence cannot predict or deduce past events, and they could not be tested scientifically. The scientific methods have been incorporated in criminal investigation science after careful consideration.

Observation and Description of a Phenomenon or Group of PhenomenaThe first step is to observe and describe a particular phenomenon or group. The forensic investigator begins by examining the crime scenes and all evidence. In a murder case, the forensic examiner will first investigate the cause and location of the death. The forensic examiner may ask officers to locate a gun if the crime involved an object or weapon. The forensic examiner may also make other observations about the events that occurred at the crime scene to help build a stronger case. These observations are vital because they can decide whether suspects should be charged or let off. The legal system is based on proof and evidence (Miller,2003). Some forensic examiners have to present evidence to the court of what they’ve discovered. The forensic investigator will submit written reports and graphs to the court, as well as pictures.

Formulation of a hypotheses (or hypothesis) to explain the phenomenonThe second part of the scientific process in forensics is the formulation or hypothesis of logical explanations for the phenomenon. The forensic investigator must form a reasonable and logical hypothesis to explain a phenomenon. This can be done by asking questions that highlight the situation. The forensic examiner can also develop a theory to explain possible events at the scene. Potential theories for a firearm case include the type and location of crime scene if victim’s body was moved, as well as the gun that fired bullets at the scene. The building of a hypotheses and observations form a complex cause-and effect relationship, where the observation is the result and the theory or hypothesis is the most probable cause. They must also find out all theories on the location of the shooting. Their theory must match the detectives’ theory. The evidence must prove the forensic examiner’s theory if the detective’s theory does not match.

The forensic examiner will then use the hypothesis in order to predict other phenomena or quantitatively predict new observations. The forensic expert is responsible for completing a background investigation on the case. Undoubtedly, the research in question will be related or similar to other studies. The forensic expert is responsible for conducting a literature search of all previous scientific research related to the particular case. The research should not start from the beginning, because it will waste time. It is done by re-examining and proving facts that have already been discussed. When humans research human activities, they tend to follow a certain pattern. Another case that is related to the current case might provide useful information. Although drug-related crimes may share many similarities, the detective must be able to make a guess as to whether or not the victim is involved in the crime. The criminal records of the victim may be able tell forensic examiners and detectives if the case is drug related. They must determine if the case was drug-related and then investigate whether or not there were any rival gangs, enemies, etc.

The next step for the forensic examiner is to have several independent scientists test the predictions. (Science Buddies 2010) This step is used to support or prove the theories or hypotheses that were presented. The experiments may end with either positive or negative results. This phenomenon shows the importance of having several independent and separate experimenters. The experts’ biases and prejudices will not be reflected in the results. The forensic expert that came up with the theories and hypothesis would have a bias to support the theories and hypothesis rather than criticize them. The results from the experiments should be compared to a control. The results would then be verified as being true. In forensics, scientific methods are applied to the legal realm. Forensics involves carefully inspecting a crime scene to extract all relevant evidence. This can be used by a court in order to either accuse or exonerate certain suspects. This underscores the importance forensic science has in our world, especially in the justice system. It is therefore necessary to establish a detailed protocol that will dictate the procedure followed when observing crime scenes, analyzing forensic evidence, and using technology. It is important to make sure that the results are objective and free from bias.

ConclusionJustice delayed is injustice denied. It is important to have competent forensic specialists who are able to follow guidelines and use intelligent reasoning. In forensics and criminology, the scientific approach is used in order to draw factual conclusions from the carefully observed evidence. The findings can be used by a judge to assist in exonerating a suspect from guilt or in sentencing him. The observations can be stored and retrieved for reference in the future (Faigman et.al. Many people are sent to prison for crimes they did not commit, and some people have been found guilty by eyewitnesses. In the last twenty years, DNA has helped forensic scientists free many people who had been convicted of crimes they didn’t commit.