Scientific Method In Criminal Investigation Essay

The scientific method of inquiry has five main steps that include, stating the problem, formulating the hypothesis, collecting the data by observing and experimenting, interpreting these data, and drawing conclusions (NSRL Rochester, 2015). In the criminal justice field it would generally commence as an inductive process and cases are used to illustrate the application of the scientific method to criminal investigation (Osterburg, 1981). The scientific method can be applied to criminal justice research, and can formulate or construct an accurate representation of the world (Osterburg, 1981). The scientific method is commonly used in criminology and criminal justice. It is applied to gather valuable information, including physical evidence taken at …show more content…
I take a random diverse group of 25 people, and have them review a social media video of a police officer being gunned down by a group of gang members. Then, I would have them take a survey on whether or not they were emotionally affected by what they observed and did their perception change of police officers. For example, if they were not supporters of police officers prior to the video or did the video change their perception in positive or negative way. I would evaluate the results and determine if what they observed had any impact on a change in their perception. Then I would take another random diverse group of 25 people, and have them review a social media video of a police officer gunning down an unarmed African-American male. Prior to reviewing the video I would take a survey on whether or not these 25 people support or not support police officers as a whole. At the conclusion of viewing the video I would take a second survey on whether or not their perception has changed about police officers. I would then evaluate the results and determine if what they observed had any impact on a change in their