Forensic Science: Analytical Techniques
Forensic Science: Analytical Techniques
Unit 6 Project
Student: Steve Gregory
Kaplan University
CJ385-01
Professor: Al Luckas
Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis
Author S. Gregory
October 31, 2011
Forensic scientists are governed by a process that is known as the scientific method. The scientific method adheres to strict guidelines which will ensure the careful and systematic collection, organization, and analysis of information (Saferstein, 2011). The scientific method gives analysts a safety net that will ensure the end result of an investigation is not altered by human emotion or compromised by belittling, distorting, or ignoring contrary evidence. The scientific method begins by formulating a question worthy of investigation, such as who committed a particular crime. The next step would be to form a hypothesis, a reasonable explanation that tries to answer the question. The hypothesis is then tested through experimentation and must be recognized by other experts in the field as valid. If the hypothesis is validated by experimentation, it becomes useable as scientific evidence in a criminal investigation and court of law. All organic substances contain carbon, commonly in combination with oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorine, or other elements. Inorganic …show more content…
Qualitative analysis relates to the identity of the substance or material. Quantitative analysis deals with the percentage combination of the components that make up the material. Organic compounds may include substances such as marijuana, barbiturates, heroin, amphetamines, alcohol, paint binders, synthetic fibers, petroleum products, and high-order explosives. Inorganic compounds may include physical evidence such as tool, explosives, poisons, metal scrapings and trace components in dyes and
Unit 6 Project
Student: Steve Gregory
Kaplan University
CJ385-01
Professor: Al Luckas
Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis
Author S. Gregory
October 31, 2011
Forensic scientists are governed by a process that is known as the scientific method. The scientific method adheres to strict guidelines which will ensure the careful and systematic collection, organization, and analysis of information (Saferstein, 2011). The scientific method gives analysts a safety net that will ensure the end result of an investigation is not altered by human emotion or compromised by belittling, distorting, or ignoring contrary evidence. The scientific method begins by formulating a question worthy of investigation, such as who committed a particular crime. The next step would be to form a hypothesis, a reasonable explanation that tries to answer the question. The hypothesis is then tested through experimentation and must be recognized by other experts in the field as valid. If the hypothesis is validated by experimentation, it becomes useable as scientific evidence in a criminal investigation and court of law. All organic substances contain carbon, commonly in combination with oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorine, or other elements. Inorganic …show more content…
Qualitative analysis relates to the identity of the substance or material. Quantitative analysis deals with the percentage combination of the components that make up the material. Organic compounds may include substances such as marijuana, barbiturates, heroin, amphetamines, alcohol, paint binders, synthetic fibers, petroleum products, and high-order explosives. Inorganic compounds may include physical evidence such as tool, explosives, poisons, metal scrapings and trace components in dyes and