BSFS Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science MCQ 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In forensic document examination, what does ESDA (Electrostatic Detection Apparatus) detect?
- Invisible ink on documents
- Indented writing on paper beneath a written page (Correct answer)
- Alterations made with correction fluid
- Forged signatures using digital enhancement
Correct answer: Indented writing on paper beneath a written page
ESDA detects indented writing by revealing impressions left on paper beneath a page that was written on.
Question 2: What does the term 'chain of custody' mean in the context of forensic evidence?
- The sequence of arrests made in a criminal case
- The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, and analyzed evidence (Correct answer)
- The ranking of evidence by probative value
- The procedure for linking a suspect to a crime scene
Correct answer: The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, and analyzed evidence
Chain of custody is the documented record tracking who collected, transported, analyzed, and stored evidence to ensure its integrity and admissibility.
Question 3: Which type of gunshot residue (GSR) particle is considered most characteristic of a discharged firearm?
- Particles containing only lead
- Particles containing only barium
- Particles containing lead, barium, and antimony together (Correct answer)
- Particles containing only antimony and copper
Correct answer: Particles containing lead, barium, and antimony together
Unique GSR particles containing lead, barium, and antimony in combination are the most characteristic indicators of primer discharge.
Question 4: In bloodstain pattern analysis, what is a 'satellite' stain?
- A large central stain surrounded by smaller droplets
- A small droplet that has broken off from a larger drop on impact (Correct answer)
- A stain created by arterial spurting
- A stain found far from the primary crime scene
Correct answer: A small droplet that has broken off from a larger drop on impact
Satellite stains are small secondary droplets that break off from a parent drop when it impacts a surface, scattering around the main stain.
Question 5: What forensic technique is used to identify accelerants in suspected arson cases?
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (Correct answer)
- Infrared spectrophotometry only
- Thin layer chromatography (TLC) only
Correct answer: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
GC-MS is the gold standard for identifying and characterizing ignitable liquid residues (accelerants) in arson investigations.
Question 6: Which principle governs the admissibility of scientific evidence in federal courts under the Federal Rules of Evidence?
- Frye Standard
- Daubert Standard (Correct answer)
- Kumho Standard
- McCormick Standard
Correct answer: Daubert Standard
The Daubert Standard (from Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 1993) requires federal judges to act as gatekeepers evaluating the validity and relevance of scientific testimony.
Question 7: What is the significance of rigor mortis in forensic death investigation?
- It permanently preserves the body in its final position
- It provides an estimate of time since death based on its onset and resolution (Correct answer)
- It indicates the cause of death was asphyxiation
- It only occurs when death results from trauma
Correct answer: It provides an estimate of time since death based on its onset and resolution
Rigor mortis typically begins 2–6 hours after death and resolves within 24–48 hours, helping investigators estimate the postmortem interval.
BSFS Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science MCQ 3
In forensic document examination, what does ESDA (Electrostatic Detection Apparatus) detect?