Investigative Planning & Methodology Flashcards
7 cards from real CFI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Investigative Planning & Methodology flashcards as text
Which investigative methodology principle requires that all reasonable hypotheses be considered before reaching a final conclusion?
Answer: Inductive reasoning applied to all data
Inductive reasoning in NFPA 921 requires evaluating all data to generate and test every plausible hypothesis before settling on a final conclusion.
A CFI is called to investigate a vehicle fire in a private parking lot. What is the FIRST jurisdictional consideration?
Answer: Which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction over the location and incident type
Determining which agency has jurisdictional authority over the location and type of incident ensures the investigation proceeds with proper legal standing.
In planning an interview strategy for a major fire investigation, witnesses should ideally be interviewed in which order?
Answer: First responders first, then secondary witnesses, then subjects of interest
First responders provide initial scene conditions and timeline anchors; their accounts then help contextualize secondary witnesses and persons of interest.
Which term describes the process of testing a hypothesis against all known data to determine if it should be accepted, revised, or rejected?
Answer: Deductive hypothesis testing
Deductive hypothesis testing evaluates each proposed explanation against all available facts and eliminates those that cannot be reconciled with the evidence.
A newly discovered witness contacts the investigator after the investigation report is finalized. What is the proper methodological response?
Answer: Evaluate the new information and supplement or amend the report if warranted
The scientific method requires that new data be evaluated; if it materially affects conclusions, the investigator must update findings accordingly.
What is the significance of establishing a 'point of origin' as a methodological step before determining cause?
Answer: The cause of a fire can only be accurately determined after identifying where it started
Fire cause investigation is inherently tied to origin — without knowing where the fire started, identifying the ignition source and first fuel is not possible.
Which of the following best defines 'cognitive bias' in the context of fire investigation methodology?
Answer: A tendency to unconsciously favor evidence that supports a preconceived conclusion
Cognitive bias causes investigators to unconsciously seek confirming evidence and discount contradictory evidence, undermining the objectivity of the scientific method.