Overview

Forensic "evidence" surrounds us in our daily lives, though we may overlook it or fail to recognize its potential significance. While these traces only become true evidence in the context of a crime, this assignment aims to train you to critically observe and identify these elements "in the wild." By sharpening your awareness of potential forensic indicators in everyday settings, you'll develop a keener eye for detail and a deeper understanding of how seemingly mundane objects or marks can become crucial in investigations. This exercise will help you appreciate the ubiquity of forensic science in our environment and enhance your observational skills, preparing you to think like a forensic investigator. And by combining real-world observation with AI-assisted research, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of forensic evidence collection, documentation, and analysis methods.

Instructions

Each week you will be tasked with identifying, documenting, and studying various forms of forensic evidence in the wild—hence the assignment name, “Forensics in the Wild.” What to do is outlined below.

Identifying Forensic Evidence

For a given week, you will:

• Focus on one type of forensic evidence, based on the associated assigned readings

• Locate an example of the forensic evidence “in the wild”

  • This could be in your home, on campus, or in public spaces (always respecting private property and safety considerations)

    • If you cannot find a real-world example safely or ethically, create a simulated piece of evidence in a controlled environment, clearly noting that it's a simulation in your documentation.

• Take a clear, well-lit photograph of the evidence.

  • To ensure that your photograph is original, you should include a post-it note (piece of paper, etc.) in the scene with your name, the date (XX/XX/XXXX), and FOSC 1101 clearly written.

    • Your photograph should be uploaded to the associated assignment folder in “Forensics in the Wild” folder in the Perusall Library.

Documenting Forensic Evidence

After locating and photographing a type of forensic evidence in the wild, you will write down the following information, which you will input into the Perusall assignment.

• Location where the evidence was found

• Date and time of discovery

• A brief description of the surrounding environment

• Thorough description of the evidence, including its size, shape, color, texture, and any unique characteristics

Analysis Research

After locating, photographing, and documenting information about the forensic evidence you identified in the wild, you will use AI chatbots to research methods of analyzing it. Incorporating AI chatbots for research in this assignment serves several valuable purposes: enhancing research skills; developing critical evaluation; exploring emerging technologies; and encouraging innovative thinking.

AI Chatbot Resources

Use two different AI chatbots to research the assigned evidence type. The ones you should use are linked below. (You do not need to pay to subscribe to these.)

• ChatGPT

• Perplexity

Research Process

1. Begin by prompting each chatbot with the following introduction:
   "I am working on a forensic science class assignment and am trying to learn more about a type of evidence I collected. I'm going to ask you a series of questions about this evidence."

2. For each chatbot, you will ask the following questions about your assigned forensic evidence type. Note, the exact questions you should ask are in the assignment; you can copy and paste them in:

   • How is this specific type of evidence analyzed?

   • Why is it analyzed this way?

   • Are there multiple methods for analyzing this evidence?

   • If there are multiple methods, which is considered better and why?

   • What are the limitations of the analysis methods for this type of evidence?

3. Record the responses from each chatbot in their associated question in the Perusall assignment.

Comparative Analysis

Write a 500-word response comparing the answers you received from the two chatbots. In your comparison, consider:

• Similarities and differences in the information provided

• Clarity and depth of explanations

• Any contradictions between the two responses

• Which response you found more helpful or comprehensive, and why

In your analysis, critically evaluate the information provided by both chatbots. Consider how current the information seems, areas where the AI appears uncertain or provides conflicting information, and how well the AI-provided information aligns with what you've learned in class or from other reliable sources.

Reflect on the process of using AI chatbots for forensic research. Discuss the benefits and potential limitations of this approach in the context of forensic science education and research.

Remember, while AI chatbots can provide valuable information, they should be used as a starting point for your research, not as definitive sources. Always cross-reference important information with reputable forensic science textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, or guidance from your instructor.