CFI Investigative Planning & Methodology 3

Question 1

In the context of investigative methodology, what does 'negative corpus' mean and why is it problematic?

Accepted Answer

Concluding a fire was incendiary solely because no accidental cause was found

Answer

NFPA 921 warns against negative corpus — declaring incendiary origin simply by eliminating accidental causes without positive proof of an intentional act.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes a 'working hypothesis' in fire investigation methodology?

Accepted Answer

A tentative explanation consistent with known data, subject to revision

Answer

A working hypothesis is a provisional explanation that guides the investigation and must be tested and revised as new data emerges.

Question 3

When establishing the sequence of events during investigative planning, which type of timeline is MOST useful?

Accepted Answer

A composite timeline integrating witness accounts, alarm data, and physical evidence

Answer

A composite timeline merges multiple data sources to establish the most accurate and defensible sequence of events leading up to and during the fire.

Question 4

A CFI suspects electrical involvement in a fire. Which methodological step should follow the initial hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Identify and collect all potential electrical evidence for further analysis

Answer

After forming an electrical hypothesis, the investigator must gather all relevant electrical evidence to test and support or refute that hypothesis.

Question 5

Which of the following represents a common methodological error that can invalidate a fire investigation?

Accepted Answer

Forming a cause conclusion before completing the scene examination

Answer

Premature conclusions create confirmation bias, causing investigators to selectively gather evidence supporting that conclusion rather than objectively evaluating all data.

(CFI) Certified Fire Investigator Practice Test

(CFI) Certified Fire Investigator Practice Test

CFI Investigative Planning & Methodology 3