Technology & Digital Tools Flashcards
7 cards from real ABFM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Technology & Digital Tools flashcards as text
In forensic DNA analysis, what is the purpose of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) step?
Answer: To amplify small quantities of DNA to detectable levels
PCR exponentially amplifies targeted DNA regions from minute samples, enabling analysis of trace biological evidence that would otherwise be insufficient for profiling.
A forensic examiner is analyzing electronic communications. Which metadata element from an email header is most critical for establishing a timeline of events?
Answer: UTC timestamp with time zone offset
UTC timestamps with time zone offsets provide an absolute, unambiguous chronological record of when an email was sent or relayed, critical for establishing accurate event timelines.
Which imaging modality provides the best soft tissue detail in post-mortem forensic radiology for detecting cause of death in decomposed remains?
Answer: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Post-mortem MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT, making it valuable for detecting brain injuries, organ pathology, and cause of death even in partially decomposed remains.
In digital evidence handling, what is the purpose of generating an MD5 or SHA-256 hash of a forensic image?
Answer: To verify the image is an exact, unaltered copy of the original
Cryptographic hashes create a unique digital fingerprint of the forensic image that can be recalculated at any time to prove the data has not been altered since acquisition.
Which spectroscopic technique is used to identify chemical compounds in trace evidence at the scene without destroying the sample?
Answer: Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
ATR-FTIR is a non-destructive technique that identifies compounds by their infrared absorption patterns, ideal for analyzing trace evidence without consuming the sample.
In forensic facial reconstruction software, what primary data source is used as the anatomical foundation for rebuilding a face from skeletal remains?
Answer: Soft tissue depth data tables derived from population studies
Forensic facial reconstruction uses standardized tissue depth tables derived from cadaver and ultrasound studies to approximate soft tissue thickness at anatomical landmarks on the skull.
A forensic investigator discovers steganography on a suspect's computer. What does this technique involve?
Answer: Hiding data within other non-secret files such as images or audio
Steganography conceals secret information within ordinary-looking digital files (images, audio, video) so that the hidden data is not apparent to casual observers.