SEMINAR IN FORENSIC SCIENCE RESEARCH PAPER I ASSIGNMENT
GOAL: To provide an effective comparison and contrasting of forensic methods employed to solve cases as they have evolved over the years during the field’s development. This is done by reviewing an old/cold case (approximately 20 years or older) through the prism of the methods used at the time, versus those that would be used today.
PURPOSE: To foster critical thinking when evaluating the context(s) of the methods used, and those proposed. This will require developing an understanding of both past and present day methods, their uses, as well as their limitations.
PROCEDURE:
Select a case that might appeal to you. It can really be any case of your choice as long as it meets the age criteria described above. The instructor must approve a case under consideration that does not meet the criteria.
Select a forensic aspect associated with the case to evaluate. Feel free to stick to your particular area of interest. For example, if you are Chemistry track within the major it may be wisest for you to select that type of evidence as your area of interest.
Begin your research by determining (if possible) the forensic methods used on the case initially. Research the methods uses and limitations. Some questions to consider at this point:
a. How was this test initially discovered and developed over time? b. What kind of associations can be made by using it?
c. Are these associations very discriminating?
d. How significant are these results when comparing to others?
e. Does anything affect the ability to run the test? To interpret it?
Next, determine which of today’s methods/instrumentation you would
employ to reassess the initial evidence. Utilize the same general list of
questions in Step 3 for this purpose.
Once the research is completed and data accumulated it is time to begin
writing. The format will be that of a scientific article for submission to a journal. This format will be discussed in more detail in class. Also, please see below in the GENERAL section for the necessary revisions I will require to that format.
Prior to the final paper submission you will submit a written outline for your paper briefly summarizing the points discussed in Steps 3 & 4. More importantly you will need to outline the forensic significance in utilizing your technology of choice. This will be submitted and reviewed via Turnitin.
For the final paper, see the GENERAL section below.
GENERAL: Go to www.aafs.org, use link for Journal of Forensic Science, Information for Authors. Follow all instructions as listed with the following modifications or clarifications.
Submit only one printed hard copy.
All tables and figures can be simple B&W copies on separate pieces of paper.
DO NOT imbed them within the text of the article!
Use 12 front, 1 1⁄2 spacing
Acknowledgements are not necessary
For Corresponding Author Provide your name and Seminar in Forensic
Science, Research Paper I
Keywords: “Forensic Science” is first followed by case name, and then up to
8 additional key words
Minimum page length for text (not including pages 1 and 2, reference page/s,
and figures) is 8, maximum is 10.
Do not use Materials, Methods, Results, captions. Rather use Existing
Methods and Modern Methods. End with Conclusion caption. Your Discussion can follow each of the above main captions or occur in one place just before the conclusion caption.
Follow AAFS guidelines for citations in text; e.g. (1), (1-3), (Figure 1).
References: Follow guidelines, order will be determined sequentially as they
appear in the text.
Figures: You must submit at least 2 Figures (copy of photo, table, etc.) One
figure per page, only figure on front of page, rear of page is an up arrow for orientation and description. Do not put page numbers on figure pages.
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