Eye Witness Testimony Line-up

Forensic Psychology: Role of a Forensic Psychologist

Learning Outcomes Learners will: Identify and provide definitions relating to forensic psychology roles. Using the definitions of forensic psychology associate the correct vocational settings. Define how different vocational settings can influence the role the forensic psychologist. Evaluate different psychology testing methods.

What is Forensic Psychology “Forensic psychologists apply psychology theory to criminal behaviour and explore what makes people commit crimes.” (https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk) Work with and assist offenders in their lives, assess offenders before court and plan interventions (Prison psychologist and Researcher) Write reports for court. (Researcher, Criminal Profiler, Expert Witness and Prison Psychologist) Forensic psychology—like many specialties in psychology—is difficult to define precisely. As John Brigham (1999) writes, if you ask a group of psychologists who interact with the legal system in some capacity, “Are you a forensic psychologist?” many will say yes, some will say no, and a majority will probably admit they really do not know.

Areas of Forensic Psychology Areas a forensic psychologist could work in: Expert witness Prison psychologist Criminal profiler Researcher

Expert Witness Prepares the relevant documents for court. Provides evidence in court in legal speak, not science speak. Provide an assessment of offenders e.g. ‘Is the accused confession likely to be genuine?’. EW generally paid for their ‘expert views’

Prison Psychologist Work in prisons, directly with offenders. They may work specifically with sex offenders, assessing risk. Conduct and complete risk assessments. Prepare reports for court.

Criminal Profiler The most popular branch of forensic psychology. Liaise with police, probation and courts. Assess evidence from crime scenes, witnesses, victims, forensic experts. Liaise with forensic experts e.g. blood spatter pattern analysts. Produce profiles of serial murderers, rapists or arsonists.

Researcher Research subjects within forensic psychology. This could entail interviewing serial killers, rapists or arsonists. Write literature on specific subjects. Publish journal articles or books.

Professional Standards Always be aware there are professional bodies and standards involved in professional roles. The British psychology society (BPS) is the main governing body for standards and professionalism in the UK for psychologists. They have produced a booklet for the standards expected for a psychologist giving evidence in a court case.

Case Study and Applying forensic Practices You will be presented with a case study and asked to read it within your designated groups This is an American study, but there are a range of areas that forensic psychology could be applied or could be used to justify behaviours. Always be aware there will not be a vast amount of difference between prosecution and defence. https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/166e3f_ebc857d18bf8410287a75c423047187c.pdf

Case study replies

Case Study Replies

Psychological Testing They attempt to remove subjectivity of clinical analysis (psychologists bias). Criticism of tests: Do not address legal issues. Might not be accurate for one person. Cannot test psychological functioning at time of the crime.

Psychological Testing (Projective Tests) Rorschach test (inkblot test): Subjects are asked to look a the inkblot and they state or write down what they see. The psychologist then analyses the results. It assesses personality traits, emotional functioning. It is very subjective.

Rorschach tests Each group will be given a couple of slides from the test and as a group you will give an opinion what you see in the pictures Please write them down and don't shout them out as it will help all of us together decide on the what can possibly be seen in the pictures. Final analysis of the different ideas against the suggested definitions of what people could possibly see.

Rorschach Results

Psychological Testing (Projective Tests) Thematic Application Test (TAT) Picture is shown; subject makes up story. Psychologist assesses responses. Suggests thinking patterns, views of the world, motives etc. Unreliable and subjective.

TAT replies Young boy looking at violin Distressed, lack of focus, sad, depressed, failure, struggling and aspiration Boy in doorway Overworked, sun-stroked, bored, lonely, neglected, self reflective Lady with head in hands Tired, sad, bright lights, regret, self loathing, disgust

Summary There are different jobs available within forensic psychology. These can lead to positive outcomes for offenders. Good career and progression possibilities. Tests uses by psychologists are not always reliable and are usually subjective.