Transcript Induction - Bakersfield College

Criminal Investigation:
A Method for Reconstructing the Past, 7th Edition
Book
Cover
Here
Chapter 14
RECONSTRUCTING THE PAST
Methods, Evidence, Examples
Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc.
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1
METHODS OF INQUIRY
- The Scientific Method
- Definitions
•
•
•
•
Induction
Deduction
Classification
Synthesis
•Analysis
•Hypothesis
•Theory
•A priori
•A posteriori
- Problem Identification
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2
Definitions
• Induction: The process of reasoning beginning
with specific information to form a general
conclusion
• Deduction: The process of reasoning that
begins with a generalization and moves to a
particular or specific conclusion (fact)
• Classification: The systematic arrangement of
objects into categories that have one or more
traits in common
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Definitions
• Synthesis: The combining of separate parts or
elements that lead toward a conclusion
• Analysis: Examines all information available in
an effort to separate the data into relevant
parts for further study
• Hypothesis: Forms the basis for an
examination of information to form an
assertion or tentative guess
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Definitions
• Theory: A scheme of thought with assumptions
chosen to fit empirical knowledge or
observations
• A priori (“from the previous cause”): Deductive
or theoretical reasoning based on cause and
effect, where a conclusion is based on self
evident principles
• A posteriori: Inductive reasoning based on
empirical facts acquired through experience or
experimentation to form general principles
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Problem Identification
• Public Relations
• Two problems / situations within the criminal justice
system
– When a crime occurs on the borderline of two jurisdictions
– Has to be determined between investigators
• Publicity
• Chance of making a “good arrest”
• When it is difficult to determine what crime was
committed
– Elements of major crime are considered
– Legal counsel
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6
Scientific Reasoning Applied to a
Criminal Investigation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
State the problem
Form the Hypothesis
Collect Data
Interpret the Data
Collect Additional Data (if hypothesis
supported)
6. Draw Conclusions
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7
Reconstructing the Past:
Sources of Information
•
•
•
•
People
Physical Evidence
Records
Innovative Applications
– Industrial Archaeology
– Garbageology
– Theological Detective Work
– Data Mining
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8
Further Commentary
on the Investigative Process
• Luck or Creativity?
• Investigative Mind-Set
• The 9/11 World Trade Center Attack
• The Development of Mind-Set
• Evidence and Proof
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9
Investigation … Art or Science??
• View as a continuum
– Separation point for criminal investigation is
moving by degrees toward science
• Field is becoming a focus of academic study
and research
– Impact of forensic science is felt more and more
Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Inc.
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10