Observations & Inferences
What two things do you need to create an inference?
Previous knowledge + observation = inference
Far apart footprints means a person is walking or running?
Running
What is the least common fingerprint type?
Arch (5% of people)
What is the purpose of Chromatography in investigations?
Shows investigators what pen/ink was used in a crime
What is tread on a footprint?
The grips and pattern on the bottom of a shoe
What is a quantitative observation?
An observation of numbers or amounts
What are 3 measurements you can take of a set of footprints?
What are the 3 types of fingerprints?
Loop, whorl, arch
What does chromatography do to inks on the filter paper?
Separates the ink into its different components and colours
What is one difference between natural and synthetic fibers?
-one is man made
-one comes from plants and animals
-one burns, one melts
What is a qualitative observation?
Using your 5 senses to make an observation.
What is a patent print?
What is a latent print?
An invisible print that has to be powdered and lifted to be seen. Usually made out of hand oils or sweat
What are three different categories of handwriting analysis? (For example size)
What are three examples of animals that natural fibers can be made from?
Sheep, llamas, certain rabbits, alpacas
True or false: all inferences are true
False
What is a plastic print?
A 3D print made in things like snow, sand, wet cement, mud
True or false: there are no other animals with similar fingerprints to humans
FALSE! Koalas have fingerprints indistinguishable from humans. WOOOOW
What is the study of handwriting analysis called?
Graphology
What are 2 examples of synthetic fibers?
Polyester, nylon, rayon
How do inferences and observations help investigators?
They allow them to track what has happened at a crime scene, and can lead them to the correct suspect
What are these 3 characteristics?
-class characteristics -wear characteristics -individual characteristics
-brand/type of shoe
-how the shoe wears down
-unique qualities (rock in treads, cracks)
List the types of fingerprints in order from most common to least common
True or false: it is impossible to forge someone's handwriting
False
When holding up a match to synthetic fibers, do they melt or burn?
Melt (they're plastic)