Chapter 1 Key Terms

Question 1

American Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (AACFP)

Answer 1

• organization of behavioral scientists and practitioners
• concerned with delivery of high quality mental health services to criminal offenders
• promotes research on etiology, assessment, and treatment of criminal behavior

Question 2

American Psychological Association (APA)

Answer 2

• 1987, APA developed model act for state licensure of psychologist
• 1991, developed specialty guidelines for forensic psychologists
• 2001, they recognized forensic psychology as a specialty
• 2002, ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct
• based in D.C., largest association of psychologists worldwide
• developed narrow definition of FP “to include primarily clinical aspects of forensic assessment, treatment, and consultation”

Question 3

Association for Psychological Science (APS)

Answer 3

• nonprofit organization of psychologists dedicated to the advancement of psychology as a science
• next largest psychological association next to APA

Question 4

Availability heuristic

Answer 4

-tendency to believe an event is more widespread and frequent due to news media highlights and dramatization of significance

Question 5

Clinical psychologist

Answer 5

-doctoral level psychologist trained in research, assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of mental or behavioral disorders

Question 6

Computer evidence recovery

Answer 6

(forensic data recovery)

• email and internet analysis
• hard drive and diskette recovery techniques of orphaned, fragmented, and erased data
• trained to search, seize, analyze magnetic media to the execution of search warrant or subpoena
• powerful tool to clear a person of wrongdoing

Question 7

Correctional psychologist

Answer 7

• has specific training in correctional philosophy, systems, offender management, forensic report writing, treatment aimed at reducing recidivism, outcome research
• major goal is to help in inmate rehabilitation, treatment, and integration in to the community (probation and parole services)
• offer consultative services relating to corrections staff

Question 8

Counseling psychologist

Answer 8

-trained to evaluate and treat adjustment problems (similar to clinical psychologist)

Question 9

Diplomate

Answer 9

-professional designation signifying a person has been certified as having advanced knowledge in a particular specialty

Question 10

Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct

Answer 10

• provides ethical guidelines for appropriate behavior in clinical and research practice for psychologists
• professional psychologists are ethically obligated to comply with the standards pertaining to their practice
• violation of ethics can result in loss of license to practice

Question 11

Family forensic psychology

Answer 11

-specialty with extensive knowledge about human development, family dynamics/systems, and the court system

Question 12

Forensic entomology

Answer 12

-study of insects (and anthropod relatives) as it relates to legal issues.

Question 13

Forensic neuropsychology

Answer 13

-application of knowledge from neuropsychology profession to legal matters
(neuropsychology- study of psychological effects of brain and neurological damage and dysfunction on human behavior)

Question 14

Forensic psychiatrist/psychologist

Answer 14

• Psychiatrist is an M.D. trained to provide direct treatment to persons with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems relating to legal matters, and CAN prescribe medication
• Psychologist is trained to provide direct treatment to persons with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems relating to legal matters, and can NOT prescribe medication

Question 15

Forensic school psychology

Answer 15

• forensic school psychologists deal with legal matters in an educational context
• assessment and counseling services are important roles for forensic school psychologist in youth correctional facilities

Question 16

Industrial/organizational psychology

Answer 16

• branch of psychology concerned with organizations

- help develop strategies to build better businesses, and improve employee well-being

Question 17

Legal Psychology

Answer 17

-scientific study of a wide assortment of topics that reflect the close relationship between psychology and the courts

Question 18

Police psychology

Answer 18

-application of psychological princples and clinical skills to law enforcement and public safety

Question 19

Questioned document examination/analysis

Answer 19

-examination of the validity of documents (in order to establish authorship and authenticity)

Question 20

Specialty guidelines for forensic psychologists

Answer 20

• published in 1991 by the American Academy of Forensic Psychology and American Psychology Law Society
• “FP are responsible for a fundamental and resonable amount of knowledge and understanding of the legal and professional standards that govern their participation as experts in legal proceedings”

Question 21

Diminished capacity

Answer 21

-defendant’s inability to form intent to commit crime due to the inability to understand (mental retardation, intoxication, mental disorder) at time of commission of crime

Question 22

Psychological autopsy

Answer 22

• effort to determine what may have been in the mind of a deceased person leading up to and at the time of death
• particularly if death appears suicide