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Re: Scientific Method
Posted by:
J L Mazerat (IP Logged)
Date: April 05, 2022 09:42AM
If one state the methodology that was used by saying what steps were used in clear language and not mention 921 as a source, I believe they are in a better position. Remember, at this point the only one is doing is justifying the methodology used, you are not explaining the evidence itself. As an example, say that the damage caused by the fire was observed and evaluated. The say it was from this evaluation that possible causes were identified. Then you evaluated each possible cause separately with the goal of identifying or eliminating it as the cause. One this was finished you were left with what you believe is the cause. Remember here, you were just trying to get past any objection as to the type of methodology you used in reaching your opinion. Later you can explain in detail what you observed, and how it was evaluate it to reach possible causes for the fire. Then you can go into how you tested each of the possibilities and what were the results from each of the test. Here you would say why some were eliminated and some and some remained.
What happened with 921 is the committee forgot the audience they were talking to and talked at a level which was higher than necessary. Unfortunately, people tend to talk at their own education level. And original 921 we had some excellent if not superb individuals with higher education. I am in no way taking anything away from these individuals. In fact, I considered each Committee meeting training that assisted me in upgrading my knowledge about fires. The committee agreed that a recognized methodology would be necessary as a profession move forward. The scientific method, no matter the number of steps, is a recognized methodology throughout many professions. As it turned out, we were correct.
Jim Mazerat
Forensic Investigations Group