Test Bank - Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, 4th Edition by Anthony J. Bertino, Patricia
Bertino | Updated Test & Exam Questions.
Ch01 - Forensic Science and Observation
1. Trained investigators know how to collect evidence based on its potential importance.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: The trained investigator collects all available evidence, without making judgments about its
potential importance. That comes later. Knowing which evidence is significant requires the
ability to recreate the series of events preceding the crime. The first step is careful and
accurate observation.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1 - Describe the purpose of forensic science.
TOPICS: WHAT IS FORENSIC SCIENCE?
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 12:32 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 12:36 AM
2. The first step of crime scene investigation is collection of evidence.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: The trained investigator collects all available evidence, without making judgments about its
potential importance. That comes later. Knowing which evidence is significant requires the
ability to recreate the series of events preceding the crime. The first step is careful and
accurate observation.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1 - Describe the purpose of forensic science.
TOPICS: WHAT IS FORENSIC SCIENCE?
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 1:56 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/26/2026 8:27 AM
3. Using the scientific method requires the scientist or investigator to form a hypothesis that is based on prior knowledge
or observation.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Scientists have established a rigorous study procedure known as the scientific method. After
stating the problem or question, the scientist proposes a hypothesis based on prior knowledge
or observation. A hypothesis is a possible explanation of a question or problem based on
Page 1
,Name: Class: Date:
Ch01 - Forensic Science and Observation
prior knowledge or observation. It is not a guess.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2 - Explain the role and responsibilities of a forensic scientist.
TOPICS: WHAT DO FORENSIC SCIENTISTS DO?
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 1:59 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:02 AM
4. A perception is what a person perceives using sight, taste, hearing, smell, and touch.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: An observation is what a person perceives using their senses. Every single moment, we are
gathering information about what is around us, through our senses—sight, taste, hearing,
smell, and touch. The sensory information that we observe is delivered to our brain.
Perception is our brain’s interpretation of our sensory observations after our brains have
filtered and processed the information.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:03 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:08 AM
5. The human brain can process information directly from perception to long-term memory.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Information is processed in the brain in the following order: information enters the brain
through sensory inputs; we pay attention to only some of the information; this information is
then processed through our perception. Of the perceived information, only a portion passes
on to short-term memory, and even less of that information then becomes long-term memory.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
Page 2
,Name: Class: Date:
Ch01 - Forensic Science and Observation
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:08 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:11 AM
6. A perception is only created after the brain has processed sensory information.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: An observation is what a person perceives using their senses. Every single moment, we are
gathering information about what is around us, through our senses—sight, taste, hearing,
smell, and touch. The sensory information that we observe is delivered to our brain.
Perception is our brain’s interpretation of our sensory observations after our brains have
filtered and processed the information.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:11 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:12 AM
7. In the human brain, only a portion of perceived information becomes short-term memory.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Information is processed in the brain in the following order: information enters the brain
through sensory inputs; we pay attention to only some of the information; this information is
then processed through our perception. Of the perceived information, only a portion passes
on to short-term memory, and even less of that information then becomes long-term memory.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:13 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:14 AM
8. A witness is a person who has seen something related to a crime.
a. True
b. False
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, Name: Class: Date:
Ch01 - Forensic Science and Observation
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: An eyewitness is a person who has seen someone, or something related to a crime and can
communicate their observations. Memory fades with time, and our brains tend to fill in
details that we feel are appropriate but may not be accurate.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:14 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:15 AM
9. After years of use, experts agree that showing a six-person photo collection to an eyewitness is beneficial for
identifying the perpetrator of a crime.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: An eyewitness is a person who has seen someone, or something related to a crime and can
communicate their observations. Memory fades with time, and our brains tend to fill in
details that we feel are appropriate but may not be accurate. The use of “six packs” of photos
(six-person photo collection) by law enforcement agencies is under review. Some experts feel
their use prejudices witnesses who want to be helpful and feel the suspect must be in the
photo array.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3 - Distinguish between scientific hypotheses, theories, and scientific methods as used by
forensic scientists to explain what occurred at a crime scene.
TOPICS: HOW DO FORENSIC SCIENTISTS CONCLUDE WHAT OCCURRED?
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:15 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:16 AM
10. Often what a witness thought they saw and what really happened differ.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: When evaluating eyewitness testimony, the investigator must discriminate between fact, a
statement or information that can be verified, and opinion, a personal belief founded on
judgment rather than on direct experience or knowledge. Often what we think we saw and
what really happened differ. Someone fleeing the site of a shooting might look like a suspect
but could merely be an innocent bystander running away in fear of being shot.
Page 4
Bertino | Updated Test & Exam Questions.
Ch01 - Forensic Science and Observation
1. Trained investigators know how to collect evidence based on its potential importance.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: The trained investigator collects all available evidence, without making judgments about its
potential importance. That comes later. Knowing which evidence is significant requires the
ability to recreate the series of events preceding the crime. The first step is careful and
accurate observation.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1 - Describe the purpose of forensic science.
TOPICS: WHAT IS FORENSIC SCIENCE?
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 12:32 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 12:36 AM
2. The first step of crime scene investigation is collection of evidence.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: The trained investigator collects all available evidence, without making judgments about its
potential importance. That comes later. Knowing which evidence is significant requires the
ability to recreate the series of events preceding the crime. The first step is careful and
accurate observation.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.1 - Describe the purpose of forensic science.
TOPICS: WHAT IS FORENSIC SCIENCE?
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 1:56 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/26/2026 8:27 AM
3. Using the scientific method requires the scientist or investigator to form a hypothesis that is based on prior knowledge
or observation.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Scientists have established a rigorous study procedure known as the scientific method. After
stating the problem or question, the scientist proposes a hypothesis based on prior knowledge
or observation. A hypothesis is a possible explanation of a question or problem based on
Page 1
,Name: Class: Date:
Ch01 - Forensic Science and Observation
prior knowledge or observation. It is not a guess.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.2 - Explain the role and responsibilities of a forensic scientist.
TOPICS: WHAT DO FORENSIC SCIENTISTS DO?
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 1:59 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:02 AM
4. A perception is what a person perceives using sight, taste, hearing, smell, and touch.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: An observation is what a person perceives using their senses. Every single moment, we are
gathering information about what is around us, through our senses—sight, taste, hearing,
smell, and touch. The sensory information that we observe is delivered to our brain.
Perception is our brain’s interpretation of our sensory observations after our brains have
filtered and processed the information.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:03 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:08 AM
5. The human brain can process information directly from perception to long-term memory.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Information is processed in the brain in the following order: information enters the brain
through sensory inputs; we pay attention to only some of the information; this information is
then processed through our perception. Of the perceived information, only a portion passes
on to short-term memory, and even less of that information then becomes long-term memory.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
Page 2
,Name: Class: Date:
Ch01 - Forensic Science and Observation
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:08 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:11 AM
6. A perception is only created after the brain has processed sensory information.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: An observation is what a person perceives using their senses. Every single moment, we are
gathering information about what is around us, through our senses—sight, taste, hearing,
smell, and touch. The sensory information that we observe is delivered to our brain.
Perception is our brain’s interpretation of our sensory observations after our brains have
filtered and processed the information.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:11 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:12 AM
7. In the human brain, only a portion of perceived information becomes short-term memory.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Information is processed in the brain in the following order: information enters the brain
through sensory inputs; we pay attention to only some of the information; this information is
then processed through our perception. Of the perceived information, only a portion passes
on to short-term memory, and even less of that information then becomes long-term memory.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:13 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:14 AM
8. A witness is a person who has seen something related to a crime.
a. True
b. False
Page 3
, Name: Class: Date:
Ch01 - Forensic Science and Observation
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: An eyewitness is a person who has seen someone, or something related to a crime and can
communicate their observations. Memory fades with time, and our brains tend to fill in
details that we feel are appropriate but may not be accurate.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.4 - Distinguish between observation and perception.
TOPICS: OBSERVATION AND PERCEPTION
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:14 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:15 AM
9. After years of use, experts agree that showing a six-person photo collection to an eyewitness is beneficial for
identifying the perpetrator of a crime.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: An eyewitness is a person who has seen someone, or something related to a crime and can
communicate their observations. Memory fades with time, and our brains tend to fill in
details that we feel are appropriate but may not be accurate. The use of “six packs” of photos
(six-person photo collection) by law enforcement agencies is under review. Some experts feel
their use prejudices witnesses who want to be helpful and feel the suspect must be in the
photo array.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.3 - Distinguish between scientific hypotheses, theories, and scientific methods as used by
forensic scientists to explain what occurred at a crime scene.
TOPICS: HOW DO FORENSIC SCIENTISTS CONCLUDE WHAT OCCURRED?
KEYWORDS: Understand
DATE CREATED: 2/25/2026 2:15 AM
DATE MODIFIED: 2/25/2026 2:16 AM
10. Often what a witness thought they saw and what really happened differ.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: When evaluating eyewitness testimony, the investigator must discriminate between fact, a
statement or information that can be verified, and opinion, a personal belief founded on
judgment rather than on direct experience or knowledge. Often what we think we saw and
what really happened differ. Someone fleeing the site of a shooting might look like a suspect
but could merely be an innocent bystander running away in fear of being shot.
Page 4
