Final answer:
Ben is performing over-the-shoulder validation by asking Chris to witness and sign off on his actions during a forensic investigation, which aids in the accuracy and integrity of the process.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a forensic investigation, when Ben asks Chris to sit with him and to sign off on the actions he has taken, he is engaging in a process known as over-the-shoulder validation. This technique is used to ensure that the procedures and actions taken during an investigation are properly observed and documented by another professional. It helps in maintaining the integrity and reliability of the forensic investigation process. Over-the-shoulder validation serves as a form of peer review and can protect against errors or accusations of tampering or misconduct. It is not the same as maintaining chain of custody, which refers to the documentation and preservation of evidence. Nor is it pair forensics, where two people work together through the entire process, or separation of duties, which ensures that no one individual has complete control over all aspects of an investigation.