Social Science Methodology Used in Murder Cases

Murder may be investigated both through the physical and social science methodologies.

Forensic science involves the application of both natural and social sciences to civil and criminal matters in the judicial system. While the use of forensics in murder cases mostly brings to mind “hard” sciences such as serology, toxicology and pathology, methodologies found within psychology, linguistics, and other social sciences also may be employed in the investigation, evaluation and prosecution of murder cases.

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropologists apply various methodologies to assess the origins of human remains in an advanced state of decomposition. For example, they may employ systematized measuring techniques of the skull and other body parts to determine if the remains are prehistoric. If so, the matter is more of historical than criminal interest. This methodology of skeletal measurements is commonly known as anthropometry. Also, forensic anthropologists analyze the site where a body is found for the presence of objects such as coffin nails and arrowheads that will help date the body. By these methods, the anthropologist may be able to determine if a murder investigation should be opened.

Forensic Archaeology

A subfield of anthropology, forensic archaeology investigates human remains as well as non-organic material found at an excavation site. Through a combination of “hard” science methodologies, such as geophysics and carbon dating, and social science methodologies involving mapping and stratigraphic analysis, the forensic archaeologist attempts to reconstruct the events that took place at a gravesite or other location where human remains have been discovered. By this means, a homicide investigation may be opened.

Forensic Psychology

Several standardized tests are regularly employed by forensic psychologists to develop profiles of homicide suspects. For example the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) tests subjects for abnormal personality traits, such as paranoia, psychopathology and compulsiveness. The California Psychological Inventory tests for dominance, tolerance and sociability. Generally, these tests are not admissible in court as evidence that a suspect committed a homicide. However, they may be used to assess whether that suspect is competent to stand trial.

Forensic Linguistics

Forensic linguistics applies the theories and analytical methods of linguistics to the judicial system. Common methodologies include syntax (how words are arranged in phrases), dialectology (identification of a speaker’s origin), pragmatics (how language is used in different contexts), and sociolinguistics (identification of social, class, racial, or gender boundaries). These methodologies may be essential when handling and validating audio evidence in a murder trial.

Forensic Sociology

Sociology is the study of society and human social activity. In rare instances, sociology may also act as evidence in murder cases. For example, if police are trying to determine the motivation for a murder, a sociologist may be able to lend insight into the mores of a specific social or ethnic group. For example, the reason for “honor killings” in certain ethnic communities may not be understood outside their country of origin.

References

• Northeastern University: “General Information on Forensic Psychology”
• The Internet Journal of Forensic Science: “Anthropometry in Forensic Medicine”
• All About Forensic Science: “Forensic Linguistics”
• The Global Sociology Blog: “Honor Killings”

Resources

• Forensic Science Central