Lecture 2: Roles and Ethical Issues

Question 1

Roles in forensic psych - Clinical-Forensic Psychologist [1]

Answer 1

Assesses and treats people in legal settings (e.g., prisons, hospitals, courts).

Question 2

Roles in forensic psych - Forensic Psychologist (Researcher) [1]

Answer 2

Studies legal and mental health topics (e.g., risk assessment, eyewitness memory).

Question 3

Roles in forensic psych - Forensic Social Worker [1]

Answer 3

Helps people involved in the justice system get support and services.

Question 4

Roles in forensic psych - Probation/Parole Officers & Case Managers [1]

Answer 4

Monitor and guide individuals released from prison.

Question 5

Roles in forensic psych - Correctional Officers [1]

Answer 5

Work in jails and prisons to maintain safety.

Question 6

Roles in forensic psych - Policy Makers [1]

Answer 6

Create and change laws related to crime and justice.

Question 7

Roles in forensic psych - Advocacy & Non-Profit Workers [1]

Answer 7

Help people impacted by the justice system.

Question 8

What does a Clinical-Forensic Psychologists do? [6]

Answer 8

• Forensic Assessment: Check if someone is fit to stand trial.
• Expert Witness: Testify in court about mental health and behavior.
• Treatment & Rehabilitation: Help offenders improve mental health and behavior.
• Consultation: Advise lawyers, police, and courts.
• Risk Assessment: Predict how dangerous someone might be.
• Personnel Selection: Help law enforcement choose officers.

Question 9

What do Forensic Psychologists do as Researchers [2]

Answer 9

• Study crime, mental health, and legal topics.
• Can specialize in different psychology fields (e.g., social, personality, cognitive).

Question 10

What are the [3] core ethical principles outlined in the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2)?

Answer 10

1. Respect for Persons: Treat all people with dignity. Must have their informed consent.
2. Concern for Welfare: Protect participants from harm and consider risks.
3. Justice: Be fair and treat everyone equally.

Question 11

[3] Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology

Answer 11

1. Dual roles
2. Conflict of interest
3. Confidentiality limits

Question 12

How might dual roles present an ethical challenge for forensic psychologists [1]?

Answer 12

Psychologists must avoid conflicts (e.g., treating someone and later testifying against them).

Question 13

How might conflict of interest present an ethical challenge for forensic psychologists [1]?

Answer 13

Psychologists must be aware of personal biases (e.g., knowing a client’s family).

Question 14

How might confidentiality limits present an ethical challenge for forensic psychologists [3]?

Answer 14

• Must report child abuse, neglect, and some crimes.
• Can choose to report serious threats of harm.
• Court-ordered sessions may not be fully private.

Question 15

Describe the differences between “mandatory reporting” and “permissive reporting” in the context of the Ontario reporting laws. [2]

Answer 15

• Mandatory reporting: requires psychologists to report abuse/neglect of a child under 16
• Permissive reporting: allows psychologists to report risk of physical harm and abuse of 16/17-year-olds.

Question 16

Power Imbalance in Forensic Psychology [3]

Answer 16

• Psychologists have power over parole decisions, sentencing, and treatment.
• People in the legal system often have fewer rights (e.g., limited access to jobs, education).
• The bigger the power gap, the greater the risk of abuse.

Question 17

Cultural Competence in Forensic Psychology [3]

Answer 17

• Many psychological tests are based on White male populations.
• Lack of cultural awareness can lead to unfair risk assessments and wrong diagnoses.
• Psychologists must recognize biases and seek outside help when needed.

Question 18

Dr. McInnis is assessing an inmate for parole, but the inmate confesses a plan to harm someone. What are the [3] issues he faces?

Answer 18

• Confidentiality vs. duty to protect others
• dual roles
• public safety.

Question 19

Dr. Morgan is asked to evaluate a prisoner who refuses to answer some questions, fearing it could extend his sentence. What are the [3] issues he faces?

Answer 19

• Consent
• pressure from the prison system
• fairness of assessment.

Question 20

Dr. Walsh lives in a small town and is asked to evaluate someone she knows personally. What are the [3] issues she faces?

Answer 20

• Bias
• conflict of interest
• difficulty being neutral