APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY - FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Flashcards
What is forensic psychology?
That branch of psychology which is concerned with the collection, examination and presentation of evidence for judicial purposes.
Gudjonsson & Haward, 1998, p. 1
What is a more inclusive definition of legal/forensic psychology?
Any application of psychological knowledge to a task faced by the legal system.
Wrightsman, 2001, p. 2
What is required for an act to be deemed criminal?
Actus reus (the guilty act) and mens rea (the guilty mind)
Unless a crime of strict liability.
Where do forensic psychologists commonly work?
- HM Prison service
- NHS
- Private healthcare
- Probation service
- Social services
- Police service
- Independent private practice
- Academia
What do offender profilers do?
Use information about the crime and crime scene to aid the police investigation by narrowing search for suspects.
What are the two main types of offender profiling?
- Clinical: based on experience and psychological theory
- Structured/statistical: draws on established psychological theory or method of analysis
What is the role of crime analysts?
Perform case linkage work using psychological theories of behavioural similarity/distinctiveness.
Generally employed by police or police agencies.
What is crucial for eyewitness testimony?
Evidence of witnesses & victims is often crucial to a case.
What types of questions are considered bad in interviewing?
- Leading questions
- Complex or compound questions
What type of question is considered good in interviewing?
Open questions
What factors might affect the reliability of memory?
Presence of a weapon, individual differences (e.g. age, personality traits)
What are the types of false confessions?
- Coerced-compliant
- Coerced-internalised
What psychological theories apply to juror behavior?
Social psychological theory about group processes, group decision-making, and juror bias.
What can expert witnesses provide in court?
Presentation of information beyond the knowledge of the average lay person, including professional opinions.
What do psychologists typically do with offenders?
- Assessment
- Interventions to rehabilitate/reduce re-offending
What is the importance of assessing risk in forensic psychology?
Estimating the risk can inform management and treatment.
What are criminogenic needs?
Factors related to offending, such as drug/alcohol problems, impulsivity, pro-criminal attitudes.
What is required to become a Chartered Forensic Psychologist?
Postgraduate study.
Fill in the blank: Forensic psychology is a ______ subject given the nature of the CJS.
[broad]
True or False: Most forensic psychologists are employed by private firms.
False
What type of interventions are based on in forensic psychology?
- Psychological theories about offending
- Psychological techniques of behavior change
- Evaluations of previous interventions
