Forensic Science – Handwriting Analysis Study Guide
Name __________________________
1. What is a questioned document? any signature, handwriting, typewriting, other written mark
whose source is uncertain
2. Name 4 examples of a questioned document. Checks, certificates, wills, passports, licenses,
3. What does a graphologist study? studies personality of the writer based on handwriting
samples
4. What year did the U.S. court of appeals determine that handwriting analysis qualified as
expert testimony? 1999
5. Name the 5 factors that affect our handwriting. Mood, age, how hurried we are, Writing
instrument
6. What are the three major categories that the 12 characteristics of handwriting fall under?
Letter form, line form, formatting
7. What is an exemplar? A known sample
8. Name the three steps for handwriting analysis in proper sequence. Obtain a handwriting
sample; Compare exemplar to questioned document; Determine which characteristics are
valuable for drawing a conclusion about authenticity and authorship
9. What are examples of exemplars that can be used from a suspect? written statement from
involved parties; Letters, diaries, greeting cards, personal notes; Helpful to have several
similar words or letter combinations
10. What is conscious writing effort? person trying to disguise handwriting or copy someone
else’s handwriting
11. What must be shown with the factors of a questioned document and exemplar to show that
the two have the same author? Similarities and differences
12. What methods should be followed when collecting an exemplar document from a suspect?
Suspect should not be shown questioned document;Suspect shouldn’t be given instructions
on punctuation, spelling; Pen and paper should be similar to that of questioned document
13. How is a biometric signature pad used to recognize a person’s signature? recognizes
signature based on speed, pressure, and rhythm of signing your name
14. What is the name of the computerized handwriting database? Forensic Information System
for Handwriting
15. What are the two shortcomings of handwriting analysis? Standards used could turn out to
be forgeries as well; Effects of mood, age, drugs, fatigue, illness on handwriting
16. What two ways can an erasure be made in a document? Knife, sandpaper
17. By what two methods can alterations be detected in a document? Infrared luminescence;
infrared photography
18. Can obliterations be detected if the same ink is used to wipe out part of a document? no
19. If different inks are used in obliteration, what method can reveal the wiped out portion of the
document? infrared photography
20. How can indented writings help to learn the contents of a document? partially visible
depressions appearing on a sheet of paper underneath the one
21. What three methods are used to compare the chemical composition of ink?
,
Microspectrophotometer; Thin-layer chromatography Manufacturing tags
22. Who holds the complete library of the composition of all pens? Department of Treasury
23. What are the main characteristics of paper that are compared? General appearance, color,
weight, watermarks
24. What is the difference in forgery and counterfeiting? person’s signature or another aspect of
a document with intent to deceive another and the other is deception on purpose
25. Name 3 examples of documents that are forged. Checks, employment records, legal
agreements,
26. Name 3 examples of documents that are counterfeited. traveler’s checks, bonds, currency
27. What is the number 1 way most people detect counterfeited dollar bills? Microscopic detail
28. What chemical do counterfeiting pens use to detect forged paper money? What biological
material is found in the paper that reacts with the chemical in the pens? Iodine