Evidence-analysis defense
This is a supervised defense of supplied paper/image/mock evidence, not an exercise that requires an identification. Choose a fresh coded dataset from the unit’s method, with disclosed targets, permitted references, timing, and approved accommodations. The student retains independent observations, controls, calculations, and a justified consistent, excluded, negative, inconclusive, or invalid result. No real samples, personal profiles, chemicals, firearms, ammunition, or projectiles are used.
| Criterion | Developing | Proficient | Mastery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method & technique | Skips controls or changes the comparison rule after seeing the key. | Uses the paper method but incompletely records controls or readings. | Uses the agreed safe paper/image method, preserves original independent readings, and applies controls and the prespecified rule. |
| Reading the result | Forces a positive or ignores missing data. | Reads clear records but needs help with ambiguous or failed-control cases. | Correctly reports consistent, excluded, negative, inconclusive, or invalid outcomes as applicable, explaining what each result supports and does not support. |
| Evidence strength & model assumptions | Derives identity odds from minutiae or treats RMP as guilt. | Uses cautious language without defining denominators or assumptions. | Defends calculations with units, denominators, population and independence assumptions; reports no numerical weight without an applicable model. |
| Limits & sources of error | Ignores uncertainty, controls, or alternative explanations. | Names limitations without explaining their consequences. | Explains reading uncertainty, missing data, control failures, dependence, and source/activity limits relevant to the supplied record. |
| Oral defense under questioning | Repeats an unsupported conclusion when data change. | Needs guidance to revise an inference after a changed assumption. | Reasons through a fresh transfer question or approved accessible equivalent, retaining contrary evidence and the analyst/court boundary. |
Integration is reported separately and cannot lower the science grade or block a science demonstration pass. Science and practical criteria determine that pass. Before assessment, publish the target list, task, permitted references, timing, and accommodations. Assess scientific reasoning and safe technique, not confidence or speaking speed.
“The obscured card is inconclusive under our rule. I recorded that before seeing the reference key. A count of corresponding features does not give identification odds, and a trial error rate has a different denominator from the probability a positive is false.”
“It matches, so it’s definitely the same person and they did it. I’m sure — it’s a 100% match.”
Use fresh controlled variations of the eight learning pathways rather than rehearsing their published answers. Retain the original work and response to changed evidence. Correctly justified negative, inconclusive, or invalid results can demonstrate mastery; confidence and speaking speed cannot substitute for science evidence.