Scientific Method of Reasoning
State the problem
Solve the problem
Part 2
Investigative Concepts
1. Induction
- set of experiences
- on observations
- conclusion / generalization is drawn
a. Inductive reasoning
- begins with specific
- goes to generalization
- “sour apple theory”
- argument = killer
Concepts, cont.
2. Deduction
- generalization or premise
- careful, systematic thinking
- moves to particular fact / consequence
a. Deductive reasoning
- begins with generalization
- goes to specific
b. Not necessarily lead to certainty
Concepts, cont.
1. Classification (taxonomy)
- systematic arrangement of objects
- into categories
- traits or characteristics
2. Classification can be:
- natural
- logical
- arbitrary
Synthesis
1. Combining separate parts / elements
a. Elements
- when combined
- coherent view of crime
- and it’s solution
b. Examples:
- witnesses
- forensic examination
- records
Analysis
1. Starts with the whole
- whether material substance / thought /
impression
- separate the whole
- constitutional parts
- individual study
2. Relevant information
- three separate sources
- people / records / physical evidence
Hypothesis
1. Conjecture
- accounts for a set of facts
- guesswork
2. Basis for additional investigation
-
dead body found
drug dealer
a narcotics hit
additional evidence can change hypothesis
marital dispute
Theory
1. Verified hypothesis
- scheme of thought with assumptions chosen
to fit empirical knowledge or observation
2. Speculative idea or plan
- how something might be done
- formulation of apparent relationships
- underlying principles of observed
phenomena
- verified to some degree
- popularly: mere conjecture / guess