Forensic Science Essay Questions

Crime Scene Investigation 1) List and describe 6 definitions or classifications of crime scenes 2) What are the five components of crime scene documentation? What is the purpose of each? Use illustrations if applicable 3) Who and what are the duties of a first responder at a crime scene? 4) What are the two basic types of crime scene sketches? What are the two types of perspectives used in sketches? Bonus: illustrate the two types of perspectives by sketching the classroom Prints 1) What are the three main types of fingerprints that can be found at a scene? Each of the main types can further be divided into distinct groups. List those groups. How do you calculate the primary identification number? 2) Define the following terms: latent print, plastic print, and visible print. Give two examples of chemical methods used to enhance latent prints. Give an example and list the procedure for enhancing latent prints by physical means. 3) What is the study of lip prints called? List and illustrate the five major patterns. 4) What is some of the basic terminology of a tire tread? What can be determined by reading the sidewall of a tire? 5) Name at least 7 pieces of information that can be obtained from analyzing a footwear impression at a crime scene. 6) How many teeth should adults have? How many teeth should children have? Starting from the back of the mouth and working forward, name the teeth?

Psychology 1) What is the difference between frustration, anger, hostility, rage and aggression? Give an example of each type. What are the 7 ways aggressions can be justified? 2) Define and illustrate the personality disorders characterized by a) odd or eccentric behavior, b) dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior, and c) anxious or fearful behavior 3) What are the differences between organized and disorganized criminals? What are the different types of serial killers? Pathology 1) What is an autopsy? Generally, what does an autopsy examination entail? 2) Describe the four manners of death 3) Describe four causes of traumatic death Serology 1) What important information may be derived from the examination of bloodstain patterns? 2) What three questions must a criminalist be prepared to answer when examining dried blood? 3) Where are antigens (agglutinogens) located in the blood? Which antigens and antibodies are present for the following blood types: A, B, AB, and O? A person having A antigen will have serum antibodies that will agglutinate cells from a person of what blood group? Which blood type is the universal donor and which blood type is the universal acceptor?