Essay Instructions: Investigative Psychology
There is a documented psychology to criminal investigators and investigations. It is important to analyze how our biases and assumptions influence our assessment of individuals and to analyze and understand psychological profiling in law enforcement. This provides a platform to determine cultural-based behavior patterns that may be specific to certain segments of the population. It is also important to understand the impact of these events and the psychological ramifications for victims and for investigators.
After completing this week's required reading, you will
Analyze the behavior of the investigator(s), including the analysis of the crime scene.
Describe the psychological, behavioral, environmental, and cognitive factors that you believe influenced the investigation. (The goal is to understand the role these factors play in how an investigation is conducted and potentially on the outcome of the investigation.)
Discuss what role, if any, the psychological profile of the offender played in how the investigation was conducted and in any subsequent court proceedings.
Analyze how our biases and assumptions influence assessments of individuals.
Describe how cultural-based behavior patterns specific to certain segments of the population impact these biases and assumptions, particularly relative to psychological profiling in law enforcement.
The Investigative Psychology paper
Must be at least three double-spaced pages in length (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a separate title page with the following:
Must use at least two scholarly sources in addition to the course texts.
Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center
WEEK 3 DISCUSSION 2
Forensic psychology is the melding of psychological assessments within the construct of legal precedents. For example, insanity is a legal concept; it is not a diagnosis and is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Use Chapter 3 of the Bartol & Bartol (2015) text as the foundation to discuss the skills that are necessary to conduct effective forensic psychological assessments while remaining true to the expectations and philosophies of both the field of psychology and the field of law. Include information from your review of a relevant scholarly journal
WEEK 4 DISCUSSION 1
According to statistics, by the year 2050, 50% of the U.S. population is expected to consist of ethnic minorities. As the United States continues to move toward an increasingly pluralistic society, cultural nuances and differentiation must be acknowledged in the application and practice of forensic psychology. In Chapter 10 of the Bartol & Bartol (2015) text, the issues pertaining to multiculturalism are discussed.
As you examine the many issues pertinent to a pluralistic society, answer the following questions in your post:
Why would an approach based on monocultural psychology be considered limiting when attempting to deal with a more diverse population?
What obstacles could be in existence that could potentially prevent or discourage an immigrant from seeking assistance from social services or mental health facilities?
Of the current ethnic groups existing within the U.S., which population has been identified as being the most diverse and challenging for those within the mental health community?
WEEK 4 DISCUSSION 2
In Chapter 11 of Bartol & Bartol (2015), the topic of forensic assessment of family and intimate partner violence is discussed. As those within forensic psychology embark upon the treatment of intimate partner violence (IPV) there are many salient points upon which to focus. No longer is it deemed suitable within professional circles to treat only the perpetrator of family violence. The common approach in contemporary forensic psychology is a much more holistic method.
In this post
Address the utility of a multimodal approach to the treatment of family and intimate partner violence.
Answer the question of what is meant by a multimodal approach to treatment.
In addition, answer the query of how an open?ended interview might be the best technique for use in the treatment of IPV
WEEK 5 DISCUSSION 1
As discussed in Chapter 12 in the Bartol & Bartol (2015) text, in most circumstances, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is the goal of the criminal justice system as evidenced by the number of offenders ultimately being released back into society. This includes concerns for public safety, the behavior and performance of the offender as a functioning member of society, and the likelihood of recidivating. While some offenses, and therefore offenders, are deemed inappropriate for release (i.e. those sentenced to life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty), most offenders will have an ultimate release date included in their sentence. This poses challenges in how to address these offenders within the construct of their ultimately being released. Chapter 12 in Bartol & Bartol analyzes clinical practices in corrections environs
WEEK 5 DISCUSSION 2
Research continues to substantiate the increase of positive outcomes when psychological issues are identified early (in childhood or adolescence) and interventions are instituted at that time rather than when an individual has researched adulthood. Chapter 13 in Bartol & Bartol (2015) discusses the concept of multisystemic therapy for antisocial juveniles. Recognizing that some mental disorders cannot be properly identified until early adulthood, there are many, including parents, who suggest this is inappropriate and an unreasonable intrusion into parents? rights and responsibilities in raising their children
WEEK 6 DISCUSSION 1
As scholars, practitioners and leaders in the areas of psychology and criminal justice, it is important to not only understand the past as it applies to the present, but to also extrapolate historical and current information to hypothesize the future impacts and areas necessitating additional research. Heilbrun & Brooks (2010) and Otto & Heilbrun (2002) suggest areas where psychological profiling could be expanded, areas of integration with other fields and study, and evaluate the impact of technology on psychological profiling. Discuss where you believe the future of psychological profiling is heading, whether it is appropriate, and what suggestions you have regarding criminal psychological profiling.