Bonus Lecture: Forensic Psychology Flashcards
What is forensic science?
the application of the methods of the natural and physical sciences to matters of criminal and civil law
What is forensic psychology?
the application of clinical specialties as well as research and experimentation in other areas of psychology to the legal arena
What is criminology?
the scientific study of crime as a social phenomenon, of criminals, and of penal treatment
What are some research focuses of forensic psychologists at Trent?
- Cognitive offloading
- Memory and body-worn cameras
- Weapon focus effect
- Impacts of acute stress physiology on skilled motor performance
- Improving use of force decision-making
- Impact of expert testimony
- Brain development of defendants compared to control groups
What two factors does forensic psychology balance?
Rehabilitation and public safety
What are some factors involved in risk-needs responsivity?
- Criminal history
- Pro-criminal attitudes
- Antisocial personality pattern
- Family/marital
- Education/work
- Leisure/recreation
- Pro-criminal associations
- Substance misuse
What inventory is used to determine risk for further criminality in offenders?
The Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG)
What are some items assessed in the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG)?
- Living with biological parents
- Elementary school adjustment
- History of alcohol problems
- Marital status
- History of nonviolent offences
- Failure of conditional release
- Age at offense
- Victim injury
- Female victim
- Personality disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Psychopathy
