Forensic Psychology

Instructor

Class

When a forensic specialist uses the psychological learning theory within their career, they come across many obstacles. There are also numerous research process a forensic specialist can use. In order to determine various variables within the case they are working on. Behaviorists wanted to establish psychology as a science like physics or chemistry, with the emphasis only on what is observable and measurable.

Introduction

Application of methods, theories & concepts of psychology within the legal system.

Looks at impact of police officer, victim, juror, expert witness, lawyer, judge, defendant, prison guard &/or parole officer on the legal system.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology

Social learning theorists believe that employees can learn appropriate workplace social behaviors by observing the organization's response to the behavior of other employees. Workers do not need to perform the correct behavior in order to learn it, because they are able to practice the behavior in their imagination. For example, an employee can imagine getting a bonus for a creative idea after observing another employee rewarded for doing so.

As in the field of Forensics, applying learning theories can create a better environment in aiding the staff to figure out ways and who has committed crimes.

FBI BSU National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime

Case Submissions

Identification of certain characteristics of an unknown offender based on the way he committed a crime.

Profile includes categories of description.

Profiling

Forensic Psychology > Personality Profiling

Jury Selection

Lawyers hire psychologists as jury selection consultants

Psychologist use empirically-based procedures to select jurors– Focus groups– Shadow juries– Systematic rating of prospective jurors– Surveys of community to detect bias

American Board of Forensic Psychology. (2009) Forensic psychology. Found online at http://www.abfp.com/brochure.asp

Huss, M.T. (2001) What is forensic psychology? It’s not silence of the lambs! Eye on Psi Chi 5(3), 25-27

References

Nietzel, Michael (1986). Psychological Consultation in the Courtroom. New York: Pergamon Press. ISBN 0-08-030955-0.

Blau, Theodore H. (1984). The Psychologist as Expert Witness. New York: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 19–25. ISBN 0-471-87129-X.

"Speciality Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists". March 31, 2014.Grisso, Thomas (1988). Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations: A Manual for Practice

(1988 ed.). Sarasota FL: Professional Resource Exchange.