Resumen

The scientific method seeks to prevent the errors of casual research using procedures that specify objectivity, logic, theoretical understanding and knowledge of previous research in development. Just as a criminal investigation is a search for "the facts," and a judgment is a search for "the truth," the scientific method is a search for knowledge. The criminal and criminological researcher seeks to use the principles of empiricism, skepticism, relativism, objectivity, ethical neutrality, parsimony and precision to evaluate a theoretical explanation. In the previous formula, empiricism is defined as the search for answers to questions through direct observation. Skepticism is the search for puzzling evidence and the process of continuing to question the findings and the evidence found. Relativism refers to theories whose conceptions are not absolute but rather relative to the individual that proposes that theory. Objectivity requires that conclusions be based on careful observation that sees the world as it really is, free of personal feelings or prejudices. Ethical neutrality is based on objectivity by emphasizing that the researcher's beliefs or preferences cannot influence the research process or its results. Parsimony is the attempt to reduce to the smallest possible number the sum of the possible explanations of an event or phenomenon. The real cases are used to illustrate the application of the scientific method to criminal investigation. Finally, a table compares evidence and evidence in science, law and criminal investigation.