Forensic Science Fundamentals: Techniques in Criminal Investigations

Question 1
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the chain-of-custody in forensic investigations?

(A) To record the time when evidence was discovered at the scene

(B) To document the chronological history of evidence handling

(C) To analyze the physical components of evidence

(D) To determine the innocence of a suspect

Question 2
What distinguishes a latent fingerprint from other types of prints found at a crime scene?

(A) It is always present on the surface as a visible impression

(B) It is an invisible print that requires specialized techniques to visualize

(C) It is created by dust and debris falling naturally

(D) It only appears on porous surfaces

Question 3
Which technique is primarily used in forensic science for DNA profiling?

(A) Infrared spectroscopy

(B) Ultraviolet radiation analysis

(C) Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis

(D) Blood typing

Question 4
What role does an Alternate Light Source (ALS) play in crime scene investigations?

(A) It is used only to identify gunshot residue

(B) It is used for determining the age of fingerprints

(C) It helps in detecting trace evidence like bodily fluids that are not easily visible under normal lighting

(D) It is used to lift latent prints off surfaces

Question 5
During crime scene processing, what is the primary objective of evidence collection?

(A) To store evidence in the most convenient manner

(B) To collect evidence only after laboratory analysis

(C) To gather all relevant evidence while preventing contamination

(D) To collect only evidence that directly implicates a suspect

Question 6
At a crime scene, investigators discover a unique shoe print near the point of entry. Which forensic method is most suitable to analyze this evidence?

(A) DNA profiling

(B) Footwear impression comparison and pattern analysis

(C) Fiber analysis

(D) Bloodstain pattern analysis

Question 7
In forensic investigations, what is the significance of a latent print found on a crime scene?

(A) It requires no further processing for analysis

(B) It is always easily visible without treatment

(C) It indicates the presence of a fingerprint that must be developed with special chemicals for visualization

(D) It is the only type of print used for identification

Question 8
Which of the following best represents the principle behind DNA matching in forensic cases?

(A) Comparing only the mitochondrial DNA

(B) Comparing specific regions of the DNA profile with those of a suspect

(C) Comparing complete genomes of all individuals involved

(D) Comparing physical traits coded by DNA

Question 9
Why is meticulous crime scene processing critical in forensic investigations?

(A) To allow evidence handling only by first responders

(B) To quickly solve the crime by ignoring irrelevant evidence

(C) To ensure evidence collected remains uncontaminated and is admissible in court

(D) To focus solely on visible evidence since hidden evidence is unreliable

Question 10
What is a key advantage of using modern forensic techniques such as Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)?

(A) It completely eliminates the need for human expertise in fingerprint analysis

(B) It speeds up the comparison of fingerprints by digitizing and analyzing large databases

(C) It always provides error-free identifications without any possibility of mistakes

(D) It only works with fingerprints found on non-porous surfaces

Rate this quiz (optional)

Helpful for Study?

Yes

No

Relevant to Topic?

Yes

No

Difficulty Appropriate?

Yes

No