The Power of Observation

Analytical skillsDeductive reasoningEyewitnessFactForensicLogicalObservationOpinionPerception

Words to Know

1. find—identify the evidence

2. document—record the evidence

3. interpret—accurately determine the significance of the evidence

The Forensic Examiner must be able to

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Our brains can filter out information.

Point out some of the details in this photo.

What Is Observation?

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What Is Observation? How information is processed in the

brain

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Our brains fill in gaps in our perception

In order to make sense of what we perceive, our brains often enrich with detail of what we see, taste, hear, smell, or feel

In an unusual situation observation skills heighten,

We can believe things were part of the background even though they were not .

September 11

What Is Observation?

Do You Remember

Do You Remember This?

I just like what he has to say…

after shooting in Connecticut.

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Factors that affect observational skills

Their emotional statesWhether they were alone, part of a

group, or near others What type of and how much activity

was going on around them Qualitative vs. Quantitative data (fact

vs. opinion)

Observations by Witnesses

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Crime-scene reports often vary, due to:level of intereststressconcentrationamount and kind of distractions presentprejudicespersonal beliefs motivesany lapse in time since the event

Eyewitness Accounts

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Observe systematically - Turn off Filters - Collect Information first, interpret data later

make a conscious effort to examine environment systematically.Start at one part of a crime scene and run your

eyes slowly over every space

Observe everything (big/small); you don’t know what is/isn’t important.

Analyze data without biasBe objective without emotion or opinion.

Document as much as possible when looking over information and crime scene.

How to be a Good Observer

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Documentation, Documentation,

Documentation

Write down and photograph as much information as possible

Be aware that memory is faultyRemember that our brains tend to fill in gaps in

our perceptions

How to be a Good Observer: #1 Rule

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The environment and our natural sensory filters affect our ability to observe

Eyewitness reports can be correct, faulty, or a little of both

Acquiring good observation skills takes practice and training

Forensic scientists: Find and Document

Evidence Evaluate and Interpret Provide expert

testimony to courts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary . . . .