Inconclusive Result
Definition
Finding that does not distinguish the propositions or materials sufficiently within the method scope. State which methods and criteria were applied and whether the samples could be distinguished. Agreement and failure to discriminate must be described at the method’s actual resolution.
- Context
- Comparison reporting
For example, insufficient discriminating features can leave a comparison unresolved rather than supporting either an identification or an exclusion.
An undifferentiated result does not automatically identify one source. Equally, an inconclusive result is not affirmative evidence that sources differ.
Related terms
- Comparison Microscopy
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- IR Luminescence
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- Medullary Index
- The medullary index expresses a measured relationship between medulla width and total hair-shaft width under a stated preparation and measurement method. It...
- Morphological Association
- A qualified finding of overlapping observed features, not unique identification. Morphological comparison assesses observed features. A physical fit concerns complementary broken surfaces...
- Reference Collection
- A curated library of verified specimens from known species, subspecies, and geographic populations used as comparators in forensic identification. The depth and...
- Reflected UV
- UV radiation returned from the specimen and detected in the intended UV band. Filters and detector sensitivity define what contributes to the...
- Spectral Leakage
- Unwanted radiation passing through the measurement path and contributing to the detected signal. Irradiance is radiant power incident per unit area. Electrical...
Explained in these topics
- Hair Examination and MicroscopyA finding that the material or observations do not support a more definite comparison conclusion.
- Specialised Imaging: UV, IR, Laser and ALS