Forensic Discipline Comparison Chart (45 points)
The week three lecture discussed the importance of understanding the strengths and limitations of
various forensic disciplines. During a criminal investigation an investigator will be made aware of the
conclusions of those who examine and analyze forensic science evidence and it is crucial that the
investigator is able to understand what the results mean and how they affect the investigation, but also
how much the conclusions can be relied upon to reflect the ground truth.
This assignment is designed to help you quantify the reliability and validity of three forensic disciplines.
The assignment consists of creating a chart which presents information on three forensic disciplines of
your choosing from the list contained below. Note that Fire Investigation and Fire Debris Analysis are
not on the list and cannot be used for credit.
List of Forensic Disciplines (Choose 4 from this list)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Biological Evidence, Serology
Biological Evidence, DNA
Friction Ridge Analysis, Fingerprint Comparison
Pattern/Impression Evidence, Shoeprints
Pattern/Impression Evidence, Tire Tracks
Toolmark Evidence, Ballistics
Toolmark Evidence, Pry Marks
Microscopic Hair Comparison
Microscopic Fiber Comparison
Questioned Document Comparison
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Odontology, Bite Mark Comparison
Chart Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Name the forensic discipline;
Define the purpose of the forensic discipline;
Describe the underlying methodology used in drawing conclusions;
List published guidelines relied upon by forensic examiners;
List research which has attempted to measure the discipline’s
accuracy rate and error rate;
6. Explain the discipline specific conditions which might affect the
general reliability and validity of the science;
7. List scientific, government and professional organizations that
develop standards and certifications, and provide oversight and
training;
8. Provide a list of websites which offer additional resources, research,
training and information.
Total
0 points
2 points
3 points
2 points
3 points
2 points
1 point
1 point
15 points
(x3 = 45 points)
Example
A sample chart, using Fire Scene Examination as an example, is contained below. This will give you an
idea of how your completed assignment might look. The middle column contains a minimal amount of
information. For maximum credit the chart should contain information similar in quality and quantity to
the column on the right.
Name:
Purpose :
Fire Scene Examination
To determine the origin and cause of a
fire.
Methodology:
The Scientific Method consisting of:
1. Recognize the need;
2. Define the problem;
3. Collect data;
4. Analyze the data;
5. Develop a hypothesis;
6. Test the hypothesis;
7. Select a final hypothesis.
Guidelines:
NFPA 921 and 1033
Research
Attempting to
Measure
Accuracy Rate :
Conditions
affecting the
reliability and
validity of
conclusions:
Complex fire scenes with multiple,
conflicting burn patterns.
Professional
Organizations:
International Association of Arson
Investigators;
National Association of Fire
Investigators.
Websites:
Fire Scene Examination
To determine the origin, cause and
development of a fire or explosion.
(Source: NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033)
Origin Determination: Application of the
scientific method in the analysis of fire
patterns, witness statements, arc
mapping and fire dynamics. (NFPA 921,
17.1.2)
Cause Determination:
Application of the scientific method in
the analysis of observations,
experiments or other direct data
gathering means. (Source: NFPA 921,
4.4.4)
NFPA 921; NFPA 1033; Kirk’s Fire
Investigation; Ignition Handbook;
Carmen, S.; Improving the
Understanding of Post Flashover
Behavior; ISFI (2008)
Gorbett, G., Tinsley, A.; Fire Investigation
Origin Determination Survey; ISFI (2012)
Amount of fire damage, flashover, long
extinguishment times, building collapse
and amount of overhaul all play a role in
creating a complex fire scene and tend
to affect the reliability and accuracy of
area of origin determination.
International Association of Arson
Investigators (IAAI);
National Association of Fire Investigators
(NAFI);
National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA);
Technical Working Group for Fire and
Explosions (TWGFEX);
Various State Fire Marshall’s Offices.
http://www.cfitrainer.net/;
Grading
The assignment will be graded based on the quality and quantity of information contained in the chart
for a total of 11.5 points for each forensic discipline. four disciplines combine for a maximum of 45
points for this assignment.
Head Start
Here are a couple of resources that you might start with:
Check out the Forensic Sciences Resource Page maintained by the North Carolina Indigent Defense
Services: http://www.ncids.com/forensic/resources/resources.shtml.
You can download a copy of the 2009 National Academy of Sciences Report, Forensic Science in the
United States – A Path Forward at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/228091.pdf.
And don’t forget to explore the website of the Scientific Working Group associated with the forensic
disciplines that you choose.
1/28/2014
Rubric
Rubric
Name
FSE 330 Forensic Chart Rubric
Description
FSE 330 Forensic Discipline Comparison Chart Rubric
Rubric Detail
Levels of Achievement
Criteria
Novice
Competent
Proficient
Name
1 Points
2 Points
3 Points
Provided the name of
the forensic discipline
on none or one of the
charts.
Provided the name of
the forensic
discipline on one or
two of the charts.
Provided the name of
the forensic
discipline on all three
of the charts.
2 Points
4 Points
6 Points
Defined the purpose
of the forensic
discipline on none or
one of the charts.
Defined the purpose
of the forensic
discipline on one or
two of the charts.
Defined the purpose
of the forensic
discipline on all three
of the charts.
3 Points
6 Points
9 Points
Described the
underlying
methodology used in
drawing conclusions
on none or one of the
charts.
Described the
underlying
methodology used in
drawing conclusions
on one or two of the
charts.
Described the
underlying
methodology used in
drawing conclusions
on all three of the
charts.
2 Points
4 Points
6 Points
Listed published
guidelines relied
upon by forensic
examiners on none or
one of the charts.
Listed published
guidelines relied
upon by forensic
examiners on one or
two of the charts.
Listed published
guidelines relied
upon by forensic
examiners on all
three of the charts.
Accuracy
Rate
3 Points
6 Points
9 Points
Listed research
which has attempted
to measure the
discipline’s accuracy
rate and error rate on
none or one of the
charts.
Listed research
which has attempted
to measure the
discipline’s accuracy
rate and error rate on
one or two of the
charts.
Listed research
which has attempted
to measure the
discipline’s accuracy
rate and error rate on
all three of the charts.
Conditions
2 Points
4 Points
6 Points
Purpose
Methodology
Guidelines
Explained the
Explained the
Explained the
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1/28/2014
Rubric
Organizations
Websites
Explained the
discipline specific
conditions which
might affect the
Explained the
discipline specific
conditions which
might affect the
Explained the
discipline specific
conditions which
might affect the
general reliability and
validity of the science
on none or one of the
charts.
general reliability and
validity of the science
on one or two of the
charts.
general reliability and
validity of the science
on all three of the
charts.
1 Points
2 Points
3 Points
Listed scientific,
government and
professional
organizations that
develop standards
and certifications, and
provide oversight and
training on none or
one of the charts.
Listed scientific,
government and
professional
organizations that
develop standards
and certifications,
and provide oversight
and training on one
or two of the charts.
Listed scientific,
government and
professional
organizations that
develop standards
and certifications,
and provide oversight
and training on all
three of the charts.
1 Points
2 Points
3 Points
Provided a list of
websites which offer
additional resources,
research, training and
information on none
or one of the charts.
Provided a list of
websites which offer
additional resources,
research, training
and information on
one or two of the
charts.
Provided a list of
websites which offer
additional resources,
research, training
and information on
all three of the charts.
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2/2
Forensic Discipline Comparison Chart (45 points)
The week three lecture discussed the importance of understanding the strengths and limitations of
various forensic disciplines. During a criminal investigation an investigator will be made aware of the
conclusions of those who examine and analyze forensic science evidence and it is crucial that the
investigator is able to understand what the results mean and how they affect the investigation, but also
how much the conclusions can be relied upon to reflect the ground truth.
This assignment is designed to help you quantify the reliability and validity of three forensic disciplines.
The assignment consists of creating a chart which presents information on three forensic disciplines of
your choosing from the list contained below. Note that Fire Investigation and Fire Debris Analysis are
not on the list and cannot be used for credit.
List of Forensic Disciplines (Choose 4 from this list)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Biological Evidence, Serology
Biological Evidence, DNA
Friction Ridge Analysis, Fingerprint Comparison
Pattern/Impression Evidence, Shoeprints
Pattern/Impression Evidence, Tire Tracks
Toolmark Evidence, Ballistics
Toolmark Evidence, Pry Marks
Microscopic Hair Comparison
Microscopic Fiber Comparison
Questioned Document Comparison
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Odontology, Bite Mark Comparison
Chart Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Name the forensic discipline;
Define the purpose of the forensic discipline;
Describe the underlying methodology used in drawing conclusions;
List published guidelines relied upon by forensic examiners;
List research which has attempted to measure the discipline’s
accuracy rate and error rate;
6. Explain the discipline specific conditions which might affect the
general reliability and validity of the science;
7. List scientific, government and professional organizations that
develop standards and certifications, and provide oversight and
training;
8. Provide a list of websites which offer additional resources, research,
training and information.
Total
0 points
2 points
3 points
2 points
3 points
2 points
1 point
1 point
11.5 points
(x4 = 45 points)
Example
A sample chart, using Fire Scene Examination as an example, is contained below. This will give you an
idea of how your completed assignment might look. The middle column contains a minimal amount of
information. For maximum credit the chart should contain information similar in quality and quantity to
the column on the right.
Name:
Purpose :
Fire Scene Examination
To determine the origin and cause of a
fire.
Methodology:
The Scientific Method consisting of:
1. Recognize the need;
2. Define the problem;
3. Collect data;
4. Analyze the data;
5. Develop a hypothesis;
6. Test the hypothesis;
7. Select a final hypothesis.
Guidelines:
NFPA 921 and 1033
Research
Attempting to
Measure
Accuracy Rate :
Conditions
affecting the
reliability and
validity of
conclusions:
Complex fire scenes with multiple,
conflicting burn patterns.
Professional
Organizations:
International Association of Arson
Investigators;
National Association of Fire
Investigators.
Websites:
Fire Scene Examination
To determine the origin, cause and
development of a fire or explosion.
(Source: NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033)
Origin Determination: Application of the
scientific method in the analysis of fire
patterns, witness statements, arc
mapping and fire dynamics. (NFPA 921,
17.1.2)
Cause Determination:
Application of the scientific method in
the analysis of observations,
experiments or other direct data
gathering means. (Source: NFPA 921,
4.4.4)
NFPA 921; NFPA 1033; Kirk’s Fire
Investigation; Ignition Handbook;
Carmen, S.; Improving the
Understanding of Post Flashover
Behavior; ISFI (2008)
Gorbett, G., Tinsley, A.; Fire Investigation
Origin Determination Survey; ISFI (2012)
Amount of fire damage, flashover, long
extinguishment times, building collapse
and amount of overhaul all play a role in
creating a complex fire scene and tend
to affect the reliability and accuracy of
area of origin determination.
International Association of Arson
Investigators (IAAI);
National Association of Fire Investigators
(NAFI);
National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA);
Technical Working Group for Fire and
Explosions (TWGFEX);
Various State Fire Marshall’s Offices.
http://www.cfitrainer.net/;
Grading
The assignment will be graded based on the quality and quantity of information contained in the chart
for a total of 11.5 points for each forensic discipline. four disciplines combine for a maximum of 45
points for this assignment.
Head Start
Here are a couple of resources that you might start with:
Check out the Forensic Sciences Resource Page maintained by the North Carolina Indigent Defense
Services: http://www.ncids.com/forensic/resources/resources.shtml.
You can download a copy of the 2009 National Academy of Sciences Report, Forensic Science in the
United States – A Path Forward at: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/228091.pdf.
And don’t forget to explore the website of the Scientific Working Group associated with the forensic
disciplines that you choose.
Example Forensic Discipline Comparison Chart
A sample chart, using Fire Scene Examination as an example, is contained below. This will give you an
idea of how your completed assignment might look. The middle column contains a minimal amount of
information. For maximum credit the chart should contain information similar in quality and quantity to
the column on the right.
Name:
Purpose :
Fire Scene Examination
To determine the origin and cause of a
fire.
Methodology:
The Scientific Method consisting of:
1. Recognize the need;
2. Define the problem;
3. Collect data;
4. Analyze the data;
5. Develop a hypothesis;
6. Test the hypothesis;
7. Select a final hypothesis.
Guidelines:
NFPA 921 and 1033
Research
Attempting to
Measure
Accuracy Rate :
Conditions
affecting the
reliability and
validity of
conclusions:
Professional
Organizations:
Websites:
Complex fire scenes with multiple,
conflicting burn patterns.
International Association of Arson
Investigators;
National Association of Fire Investigators.
Fire Scene Examination
To determine the origin, cause and
development of a fire or explosion.
(Source: NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033)
Origin Determination: Application of the
scientific method in the analysis of fire
patterns, witness statements, arc
mapping and fire dynamics. (NFPA 921,
17.1.2)
Cause Determination:
Application of the scientific method in
the analysis of observations, experiments
or other direct data gathering means.
(Source: NFPA 921, 4.4.4)
NFPA 921; NFPA 1033; Kirk’s Fire
Investigation; Ignition Handbook;
Carmen, S.; Improving the Understanding
of Post Flashover Behavior; ISFI (2008)
Gorbett, G., Tinsley, A.; Fire Investigation
Origin Determination Survey; ISFI (2012)
Amount of fire damage, flashover, long
extinguishment times, building collapse
and amount of overhaul all play a role in
creating a complex fire scene and tend to
affect the reliability and accuracy of area
of origin determination.
International Association of Arson
Investigators (IAAI);
National Association of Fire Investigators
(NAFI);
National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA);
Technical Working Group for Fire and
Explosions (TWGFEX);
Various State Fire Marshall’s Offices.
http://www.cfitrainer.net/;
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