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FOR3704 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION EXAM
2026 QUESTIONS LATEST VERSION QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
FOR3704 Forensic Investigation Exam: 250 Practice Questions with Rationales
DOMAIN 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS AND INVESTIGATION PRINCIPLES
(50 Questions)
1. According to the FOR3704 module, forensic investigation is first recognised as which
of the following?
A) A legal procedure
B) A science
C) An administrative function
D) A policing technique only
Answer: B) A science
Rationale: The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities, and transgressions is first
recognised as a science. Both natural sciences (such as DNA analysis) and human sciences
(such as policing science and interviewing techniques) play a pivotal role in solving crimes
or incidents .
2. Which of the following correctly identifies the three main categories included in the
principles of investigation according to the FOR3704 study guide?
A) Identification, collection, and preservation
B) Identification, individualisation, and the Locard exchange principle
C) Evidence gathering, analysis, and reporting
D) Interviewing, interrogation, and statement taking
Answer: B) Identification, individualisation, and the Locard exchange principle
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Rationale: The principles of investigation include three main categories: identification,
individualisation, and the Locard exchange principle. These principles form the foundation of
scientific forensic investigation .
3. A forensic investigator finds a hair sample at a crime scene. The hair is later matched
to a suspect through DNA analysis. This process from identifying the hair as evidence to
linking it to a specific individual best illustrates which two principles of investigation?
A) Identification and class characteristics
B) Identification and individualisation
C) Trace evidence and chain of custody
D) Locard exchange and trace evidence
Answer: B) Identification and individualisation
Rationale: Identification involves recognising the physical evidence (the hair) and
determining what it is. Individualisation is the more specific process of linking that evidence
to a particular source (the suspect). Individualisation is considered a more specific and later
facet of identification .
4. The Locard Exchange Principle is described as the foundation on which identification
is based. This principle states that:
A) Every crime scene must be photographed
B) Every contact leaves a trace
C) All evidence must be collected within 24 hours
D) Only physical evidence is admissible in court
Answer: B) Every contact leaves a trace
Rationale: The Locard Exchange Principle is the foundation on which identification is based.
It states that whenever two objects come into contact, there is always a transfer of material
between them. This principle underpins the scientific approach to forensic investigation .
5. An investigator applies scientific methods, up-to-date techniques, and logical
reasoning during the investigation process. According to FOR3704, this approach is
important because:
A) It ensures the investigation is completed quickly
B) It demonstrates that forensic investigation is a science
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C) It reduces the need for witness statements
D) It eliminates the need for court appearances
Answer: B) It demonstrates that forensic investigation is a science
Rationale: The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities, and transgressions is a science.
It is important for the investigator to apply scientific methods, up-to-date techniques, and
logical reasoning during the investigation process to ensure a scientific approach is
adopted .
6. Which of the following is an example of individualisation in forensic investigation?
A) Determining that a bloodstain is present at a crime scene
B) Matching a fingerprint to a specific suspect
C) Photographing a crime scene
D) Recording witness statements
Answer: B) Matching a fingerprint to a specific suspect
Rationale: Individualisation is the process of linking specific evidence to a particular source.
While identification determines what the evidence is, individualisation goes further to
connect it to a specific person or object. Individualisation can be seen as a more specific and
later facet of identification .
7. The purpose of identification in forensic investigation is to:
A) Identify the suspect immediately
B) Identify physical evidence that can be analysed to help the investigator pursue a
productive path
C) Identify all witnesses to the crime
D) Identify the motive for the crime
Answer: B) Identify physical evidence that can be analysed to help the investigator
pursue a productive path
Rationale: The purpose of identification in forensic investigation is to identify physical
evidence, which can then be analysed to help the investigator pursue a productive path based
on the clues provided by the specific characteristics of the physical evidence .
8. According to FOR3704, the human sciences play a role in forensic investigation.
Which of the following is an example of using human sciences in an investigation?
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A) DNA analysis of blood evidence
B) Selecting effective interviewing techniques that suit the personality of the suspect
C) Fingerprint comparison
D) Ballistics analysis
Answer: B) Selecting effective interviewing techniques that suit the personality of the
suspect
Rationale: While natural sciences (such as DNA analysis, fingerprints, and ballistics) are
used in forensic investigation, human sciences also play a role. This includes selecting the
most effective interviewing techniques that suit the personality of the suspect, witness, or
complainant .
9. In the investigation of crime, irregularities, and transgressions, which discipline's
aspects and elements are also incorporated according to the FOR3704 study guide?
A) Psychology
B) Sociology
C) Management
D) Economics
Answer: C) Management
Rationale: The investigation of crime, irregularities, and transgressions also incorporates
aspects and elements from the management discipline. Investigators need to know how to
manage themselves, their resources, their time, identify strategies, and develop plans to
implement those strategies .
10. According to the FOR3704 module, the scientific process followed by an investigator
in the investigation of a crime, incident, irregularity, or transgression includes:
A) Only natural science methods
B) Only human science methods
C) Both natural and human science methods
D) Neither natural nor human science methods
Answer: C) Both natural and human science methods
Rationale: A scientific process is followed to analyse the scene of an incident (which
encompasses making use of the natural sciences). The investigator also selects effective
interviewing techniques that suit the personality of the suspect, witness, or complainant
(which encompasses utilising the human sciences) .
FOR3704 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION EXAM
2026 QUESTIONS LATEST VERSION QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
FOR3704 Forensic Investigation Exam: 250 Practice Questions with Rationales
DOMAIN 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS AND INVESTIGATION PRINCIPLES
(50 Questions)
1. According to the FOR3704 module, forensic investigation is first recognised as which
of the following?
A) A legal procedure
B) A science
C) An administrative function
D) A policing technique only
Answer: B) A science
Rationale: The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities, and transgressions is first
recognised as a science. Both natural sciences (such as DNA analysis) and human sciences
(such as policing science and interviewing techniques) play a pivotal role in solving crimes
or incidents .
2. Which of the following correctly identifies the three main categories included in the
principles of investigation according to the FOR3704 study guide?
A) Identification, collection, and preservation
B) Identification, individualisation, and the Locard exchange principle
C) Evidence gathering, analysis, and reporting
D) Interviewing, interrogation, and statement taking
Answer: B) Identification, individualisation, and the Locard exchange principle
, Page 2 of 76
Rationale: The principles of investigation include three main categories: identification,
individualisation, and the Locard exchange principle. These principles form the foundation of
scientific forensic investigation .
3. A forensic investigator finds a hair sample at a crime scene. The hair is later matched
to a suspect through DNA analysis. This process from identifying the hair as evidence to
linking it to a specific individual best illustrates which two principles of investigation?
A) Identification and class characteristics
B) Identification and individualisation
C) Trace evidence and chain of custody
D) Locard exchange and trace evidence
Answer: B) Identification and individualisation
Rationale: Identification involves recognising the physical evidence (the hair) and
determining what it is. Individualisation is the more specific process of linking that evidence
to a particular source (the suspect). Individualisation is considered a more specific and later
facet of identification .
4. The Locard Exchange Principle is described as the foundation on which identification
is based. This principle states that:
A) Every crime scene must be photographed
B) Every contact leaves a trace
C) All evidence must be collected within 24 hours
D) Only physical evidence is admissible in court
Answer: B) Every contact leaves a trace
Rationale: The Locard Exchange Principle is the foundation on which identification is based.
It states that whenever two objects come into contact, there is always a transfer of material
between them. This principle underpins the scientific approach to forensic investigation .
5. An investigator applies scientific methods, up-to-date techniques, and logical
reasoning during the investigation process. According to FOR3704, this approach is
important because:
A) It ensures the investigation is completed quickly
B) It demonstrates that forensic investigation is a science
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C) It reduces the need for witness statements
D) It eliminates the need for court appearances
Answer: B) It demonstrates that forensic investigation is a science
Rationale: The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities, and transgressions is a science.
It is important for the investigator to apply scientific methods, up-to-date techniques, and
logical reasoning during the investigation process to ensure a scientific approach is
adopted .
6. Which of the following is an example of individualisation in forensic investigation?
A) Determining that a bloodstain is present at a crime scene
B) Matching a fingerprint to a specific suspect
C) Photographing a crime scene
D) Recording witness statements
Answer: B) Matching a fingerprint to a specific suspect
Rationale: Individualisation is the process of linking specific evidence to a particular source.
While identification determines what the evidence is, individualisation goes further to
connect it to a specific person or object. Individualisation can be seen as a more specific and
later facet of identification .
7. The purpose of identification in forensic investigation is to:
A) Identify the suspect immediately
B) Identify physical evidence that can be analysed to help the investigator pursue a
productive path
C) Identify all witnesses to the crime
D) Identify the motive for the crime
Answer: B) Identify physical evidence that can be analysed to help the investigator
pursue a productive path
Rationale: The purpose of identification in forensic investigation is to identify physical
evidence, which can then be analysed to help the investigator pursue a productive path based
on the clues provided by the specific characteristics of the physical evidence .
8. According to FOR3704, the human sciences play a role in forensic investigation.
Which of the following is an example of using human sciences in an investigation?
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A) DNA analysis of blood evidence
B) Selecting effective interviewing techniques that suit the personality of the suspect
C) Fingerprint comparison
D) Ballistics analysis
Answer: B) Selecting effective interviewing techniques that suit the personality of the
suspect
Rationale: While natural sciences (such as DNA analysis, fingerprints, and ballistics) are
used in forensic investigation, human sciences also play a role. This includes selecting the
most effective interviewing techniques that suit the personality of the suspect, witness, or
complainant .
9. In the investigation of crime, irregularities, and transgressions, which discipline's
aspects and elements are also incorporated according to the FOR3704 study guide?
A) Psychology
B) Sociology
C) Management
D) Economics
Answer: C) Management
Rationale: The investigation of crime, irregularities, and transgressions also incorporates
aspects and elements from the management discipline. Investigators need to know how to
manage themselves, their resources, their time, identify strategies, and develop plans to
implement those strategies .
10. According to the FOR3704 module, the scientific process followed by an investigator
in the investigation of a crime, incident, irregularity, or transgression includes:
A) Only natural science methods
B) Only human science methods
C) Both natural and human science methods
D) Neither natural nor human science methods
Answer: C) Both natural and human science methods
Rationale: A scientific process is followed to analyse the scene of an incident (which
encompasses making use of the natural sciences). The investigator also selects effective
interviewing techniques that suit the personality of the suspect, witness, or complainant
(which encompasses utilising the human sciences) .
