Topic: Making Observations Essential Question: How reliable is a person’s memory? Notes Forensic examiners must

• Find • Document • Interpret

What is observation?

- Brains filter out information

What details do you see in this photo?

- Brains fill in perceived gaps

- Brains apply previous information to new situations

What assumptions can you make about what’s going on in this picture?

How could those assumptions be wrong? Observations by witnesses are affected by: 1. 2. 3.

Reports from eyewitnesses usually vary! Observations depend on levels of ______, ______, _______, _________________________ ________________ and _____________ can also have an effect, along with ___________________ The Innocence Project

• Started in 1992 • Uses DNA to examine post-conviction cases • Found that up to 87% of wrongful convictions are

based on _______________________ How to be a Good Observer

1. Observe systematically

2. Turn off filters

3. Leave the final interpretation of data until later

4. Document!

Observations in Forensics

• Study situations • Find clues in ordinary details • Work backwards from the evidence to what led up

to the crime • Be patient • Practice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcywPdORySA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZlPzSeUDDw Summary: