Lecture 2: Roles and Ethical Issues Flashcards
Roles in forensic psych - Clinical-Forensic Psychologist [1]
Assesses and treats people in legal settings (e.g., prisons, hospitals, courts).
Roles in forensic psych - Forensic Psychologist (Researcher) [1]
Studies legal and mental health topics (e.g., risk assessment, eyewitness memory).
Roles in forensic psych - Forensic Social Worker [1]
Helps people involved in the justice system get support and services.
Roles in forensic psych - Probation/Parole Officers & Case Managers [1]
Monitor and guide individuals released from prison.
Roles in forensic psych - Correctional Officers [1]
Work in jails and prisons to maintain safety.
Roles in forensic psych - Policy Makers [1]
Create and change laws related to crime and justice.
Roles in forensic psych - Advocacy & Non-Profit Workers [1]
Help people impacted by the justice system.
What does a Clinical-Forensic Psychologists do? [6]
- 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.
What do Forensic Psychologists do as Researchers [2]
- Study crime, mental health, and legal topics.
- Can specialize in different psychology fields (e.g., social, personality, cognitive).
What are the [3] core ethical principles outlined in the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2)?
- Respect for Persons: Treat all people with dignity. Must have their informed consent.
- Concern for Welfare: Protect participants from harm and consider risks.
- Justice: Be fair and treat everyone equally.
[3] Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology
- Dual roles
- Conflict of interest
- Confidentiality limits
How might dual roles present an ethical challenge for forensic psychologists [1]?
Psychologists must avoid conflicts (e.g., treating someone and later testifying against them).
How might conflict of interest present an ethical challenge for forensic psychologists [1]?
Psychologists must be aware of personal biases (e.g., knowing a client’s family).
How might confidentiality limits present an ethical challenge for forensic psychologists [3]?
- Must report child abuse, neglect, and some crimes.
- Can choose to report serious threats of harm.
- Court-ordered sessions may not be fully private.
Describe the differences between “mandatory reporting” and “permissive reporting” in the context of the Ontario reporting laws. [2]
- 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.
Power Imbalance in Forensic Psychology [3]
- 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.
Cultural Competence in Forensic Psychology [3]
- 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.
Dr. McInnis is assessing an inmate for parole, but the inmate confesses a plan to harm someone. What are the [3] issues he faces?
- Confidentiality vs. duty to protect others
- dual roles
- public safety.
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?
- Consent
- pressure from the prison system
- fairness of assessment.
Dr. Walsh lives in a small town and is asked to evaluate someone she knows personally. What are the [3] issues she faces?
- Bias
- conflict of interest
- difficulty being neutral
