Goal #5 Objective A
Objective A:
Without the use of the course text or class notes, the student will identify methods of inquiry used in investigative reconsruction.
investigative reconstruction -
The reconstruction of past events by close examination and systematic inquiry.
The investigator uses established methodologies to conduct examinations and
inquiries. For this reason Osterburg opens Section II of his book pondering
whether a detective is a generalist, who uses established methodologies
consistent with other disciplines. Or, is the detective a specialist who uses
methodologies that are primarily unique to a narrow section of law enforcement?
By looking at the principle methods of inquiry, the scientific method, scientific
reasoning and sources of information, perhaps this can be answered. And in
answering Osterburg's concern, perhaps we can see how these methods of
observation and inquiry assist with investigative reconstruction.
The Principle Methods of Inquiry
Methods Which Reconstruct the Past
Methods Which Create New Knowledge
Methods Which Reconstruct the Past
This is the method used by historians, archeologists, epidemiologists, journalists,
and criminal investigators.
The historian, archeologist, epidemiologist, and journalist must all collect,
interpret and explain evidence. This is what a criminal investigator is called upon
to do at a crime scene.
Methods Which Create New Knowledge -
For the investigator, this is the use of the scientific method.
A scientist draws conclusions after a careful review of all available facts.
Conclusions are evaluated for accuracy. This is also what a criminal investigator
is called upon to do at a crime scene.
scientific method -
Principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the
recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through
observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.
Scientific Method Steps (p. 367)
- Problem Identification
- Form hypothesis
- Data collection by observing and experimenting
- Interpret data as a test of the hypothesis
- If data supports hypothesis, continue to collect data
- Draw conclusion (may lead to a theory)
Osterburg correlates this method to a criminal investigation on page 367.
This scientific method is used in the hard and soft sciences to arrive at
conclusions.
For the investigator these methods of inquiry fuse together and interact with each
other to reconstruct the past. Ideally, favorable mixes can be seen as history,
science and art build on degrees from the past.
Continue to Goal #5 - Objective B.
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