Scientific Method of Reasoning State the problem Solve the problem Part 2
Investigative Concepts Induction - set of experiences - on observations - conclusion / generalization is drawn a. Inductive reasoning - begins with specific - goes to generalization - “sour apple theory” - argument = killer
Concepts, cont. Deduction - generalization or premise - careful, systematic thinking - moves to particular fact / consequence a. Deductive reasoning - begins with generalization - goes to specific b. Not necessarily lead to certainty
Concepts, cont. Classification (taxonomy) - systematic arrangement of objects - into categories - traits or characteristics Classification can be: - natural - logical - arbitrary
Synthesis Combining separate parts / elements a. Elements - when combined - coherent view of crime - and it’s solution b. Examples: - witnesses - forensic examination - records
Analysis Starts with the whole - whether material substance / thought / impression - separate the whole - constitutional parts - individual study Relevant information - three separate sources - people / records / physical evidence
Hypothesis Conjecture - accounts for a set of facts - guesswork Basis for additional investigation - dead body found - drug dealer - a narcotics hit - additional evidence can change hypothesis - marital dispute
Theory Verified hypothesis - scheme of thought with assumptions chosen to fit empirical knowledge or observation Speculative idea or plan - how something might be done - formulation of apparent relationships - underlying principles of observed phenomena - verified to some degree - popularly: mere conjecture / guess