PSYC3236 Forensic Psychology: Legal and Clinical

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Overview

This topic will focus on the way in which psychological theory and research can be applied to issues in forensic psychology. Coverage will span both the legal and clinical domains of forensic psychology. Through in depth examination of a relatively small number of issues, the topic will illustrate how psychological principles, theories and research can further our understanding of key forensic problems encountered in the legal and clinical domains. In the psycho-legal domain potential specific areas of study may include the problems associated with accessing witnesses' and victims' memory reports, including trauma memories; eyewitness identification; assessing credibility, deception and confessions. In the clinical domain, topic areas include issues associated with child witnesses and victims, understanding criminal offending, including profiling, juvenile delinquency, and the criminal vulnerability of special populations such as those with ASD.

Aims

This topic aims to introduce students to both theory and research in important areas of psychological inquiry. Research in forensic psychology uses a myriad of different psychological approaches (e.g., cognitive, developmental, experimental, social and physiological psychology) to advance our understanding of issues that are important within both legal and clinical contexts, and to derive meaningful solutions for practical problems that confront professionals in those contexts on a day-to-day basis. Thus the topic will provide students with opportunity to apply their general psychological knowledge to specific areas of study.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical perspectives and empirical methods used in the specific areas of study

Critically evaluate psychological research

Demonstrate a grasp of key conceptual and methodological issues through performance on weekly workshop quizzes

Demonstrate the ability for coherent argument through written problem-solving reports

Apply the theory and research findings in the topic to practical problems encountered in everyday forensic contexts

Requisites information

Pre-requisites:

Anti-requisites:

Assumed knowledge

A sound understanding of general psychological principles.

Handbook

Forensic Psychology: Legal and Clinical