Forensic Profiling

Forensics or forensic science is defined as the application of science to questions that are of interest to the legal system (Forensic science & forensic medicine, 2008). Forensic scientists must be impartial and draw conclusions that are based solely on what evidence shows. This particular scientific discipline depends on the proper application of the elements of the scientific method. This report will examine the scientific method as employed in forensic science during a criminal investigation. It will provide a focus on psychological profiling, which comprises an increasingly significant source of information used during criminal investigations to identify suspects and establish motive, opportunity, and so forth (Goodwill & Alison, 2007).

One of the most significant developments in the history of science was the scientific method, the procedure used by scientists in many different disciplines to acquire knowledge. Measurement of phenomena is essential to the scientific method, including measuring an initial phenomenon and measuring the phenomena after an experiment.

Barnes-Svarney (1995) stated that the general format of the scientific method incorporates three fundamental elements and may include a fourth element. First, scientists observe a phenomenon and record facts, which are descriptions of what is observed. Second, the formulation of a hypothesis based on physical laws or previously known data hel

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ce of other phenomena or to test their theory in laboratory or field settings. Brandl (2008c) stated that physical evidence is the basis of all forensic or scientific evidence. In other words, forensic scientists examine non-speculative phenomena. While they may be observers of behavior, their work focuses on what can be called hard evidence that has a physical presence. Brandl (2008c) also stated that most forensic or physical evidence that is submitted for analysis is intended to establish associations. Brandl (2008c, p. 1) stated that: Physical evidence can serve at least two important functions in the investigative or judicial process. First, physical evidence can help establish the elements of a crime. For example, pry marks left on a window (physical evidence) may help establish the occurrence of a burglary. Second, physical evidence can associate or link victims to crime scenes, offenders to crime scenes, victims to victims, instruments to crime scenes, offenders to instruments, and so on. .... Additionally, Most forensic or physical evidence submitted for analysis is intended to establish associations. It is important to note that physical evidence is generally not very effective a

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