Lecture 1: Introduction to Forensic Psychology Flashcards
What is Forensic Psychology? [1]
intersection between human behaviour and the law
What [3] areas does forensic psych include?
- criminal behaviour
- legal decision making
- risk assessment
James Cattell [2]
- Studied witness recall
- People’s recollection of events aren’t always accurate, even if they feel confident.
Albert von Schrenck-Notzing [1]
Studied how pretrial media (news) could influence testimony through “retroactive memory falsification”
Alfred Binet [2]
- Studied children and suggestibility
- Found that are easily influenced by leading questions; better to let them recall freely.
William Stern [2]
- Conducted “Reality Experiments”
- Found that eyewitness recall is worse for events eliciting strong emotions
“On the Witness Stand” [6]
Discussed how psychology could help with:
- eyewitness testimony
- crime detection
- false confessions
- suggestibility
- hypnotism
- prevention
Forensic psych and racism [3]
- Psychology has racist and sexist roots.
- Crime theories, risk assessment tools, and sentencing can be biased.
- The legal system often lacks cultural understanding.
Changes in Canadian Criminal Law - Stephen Harper “Tough on Crime” [4]
- Harsher punishments (e.g., longer sentences, fewer chances for early release).
- Made it easier to charge youth as adults.
- More costs for prisoners (room, board, phone calls).
- Focus on victims’ rights but no extra funding for support.
Changes in Canadian Criminal Law - Justin Trudeau’s Progressive Reforms [5]
- Got rid of mandatory minimum sentences.
- Decriminalized simple drug possession (BC pilot program).
- Police reform (e.g., stopping random street checks, more mental health response teams).
- More focus on Indigenous justice & restorative justice (healing instead of punishment).
- Supreme Court ruled life sentences cannot have “stacked” parole ineligibility (must have a chance for release).
What is needed for meaningful change in forensic psychology? [5]
- Support fairness and equity.
- Advocate for rehabilitation instead of punishment.
- Listen, learn, and promote evidence-based solutions.
- Speak up for marginalized groups.
- Work together across different fields to create real change.
What is suggestibility? [1]
The tendency to accept and incorporate suggestions from others into one’s own memory or perceptions, particularly common in children.
what is the Psychopathy Checklist? [1]
An assessment tool developed by Robert Hare used to measure psychopathic traits in individuals.
what is phallometry? [1]
A physiological measure of sexual arousal used in the past to assess sexual interest, particularly in the context of sex offenses.
what are mandatory minimum sentences? [2]
- Law that forces judges to give a set minimum punishment for certain crimes, no matter the circumstances.
- Results in longer prison terms
