The deductive profiling method relies on the application of deductive reasoning to the observable evidence. Investigators collect general information about the crime, and the profiler draws specific conclusions about the criminal's characteristics, based on the profiler's experience, knowledge, and critical thinking. Deductive profiling analyzes the evidence in the context of the case. Sound reasoning and critical thinking skills are applied to arrive at a logical conclusion. It is suggested that once the case has been thoroughly examined and hypotheses have been generated, then the profiler can attempt to provide a behavioral interpretation of the physical evidence.