When an investigator writes a conclusion in an investigative report based on his or her opinion, he or she is:
A. properly writing conclusions based on personal experiences.
B. allowing a conclusion to be inappropriately arrived at in lieu of a conclusion based on fact.
C. providing the reader with exciting reading based on the investigator’s experience.
D. helping the investigation focus more quickly on how the crime was most probably committed.
I am pretty sure it's D, but need a second opinion.
I think not. I lean toward B.
Based on the choices provided, the most appropriate answer is B. An investigator should write conclusions based on factual evidence rather than personal opinions. Allowing a conclusion to be inappropriately arrived at in lieu of a conclusion based on fact can be detrimental to the accuracy and integrity of the investigation report.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option:
A. properly writing conclusions based on personal experiences.
Writing conclusions based on personal experiences is subjective and not a reliable approach in investigative reports. Investigators should base their conclusions on evidence and facts rather than personal opinions. Therefore, option A is not correct.
B. allowing a conclusion to be inappropriately arrived at in lieu of a conclusion based on fact.
This option suggests that the conclusion is reached inappropriately without considering the facts. Investigative reports should be based on factual evidence rather than opinions, so option B is a reasonable possibility.
C. providing the reader with exciting reading based on the investigator’s experience.
The purpose of an investigative report is to provide an objective account of the investigation's findings, rather than aiming to provide exciting reading material. So, option C can be considered incorrect.
D. helping the investigation focus more quickly on how the crime was most probably committed.
A conclusion that helps the investigation focus on how the crime was most likely committed aligns with the goal of an investigative report. By analyzing the evidence and drawing conclusions based on facts, investigators can prioritize their efforts towards solving the case. Therefore, option D is a plausible choice.
Based on the analysis above, option D appears to be the most suitable answer. However, it's always a good practice to review the relevant materials or consult with your instructor or colleagues for a second opinion.