Method of Inquiry

The method of inquiry is based on gathering observable, factual and measureable evidence. Basically, methods of inquiry are ways that an investigator gathers the information for the case that they are investigating. Methods of inquiry are used in criminal investigation by collecting evidence, statement collection, and going through electronic databases and even the internet. The methods of inquiry are all used in conjunction to reconstruct the crime scene. The methods are also used by utilizing the five W’s, who, what, when, where, and why, and also how. There are three methods of inquiry that are used in an investigation and those are authority method, tenacity method, and intuition. An example of a method of inquiry is when an investigator is collecting the statements from either the victims or witnesses. The investigator will take all the information and evidence that is collected, compile it all together and come up with the reconstruction of the crime that was committed.
The optimal mindset of an investigator is one that is able to look for the motive of the crime that is at hand and able to investigate all the possibilities of even the most obvious evidence that has been gathered. In my own opinion, I think that an optimal mindset is where the investigator can process all the evidence at hand, in their mind and come up with a conclusion of what occurred. Also I believe that the mindset is one that can be taught through training and experience.
The scientific method is a systematic approach of observation, hypothesis formation, hypothesis testing and hypothesis evaluation that forms the basis for modern science. There are anywhere from five to eight steps in the scientific method. However, all versions of the scientific method involve the person trying to solve the problem experimenting to find an answer. A prudent criminal investigator will apply the scientific method within the course of his or her investigation to ensure that an investigation is done