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Forensic Psychology

New Thoughts on Criminal Profiling
A look at recent advances and declination within criminal profiling. Where should we go from here?,A look at recent advances and declination within criminal profiling. Where should we go from here?
On The Defensive: A Glimpse into a MA Thesis Defence
A brief look into this authors recent MA Thesis defense. Scary stuff, with some hints on how to make it a little less terrible.
The Scientist-Practitioner Model: Clinical Collapse
An editorial evaluation of the breakdown in today's clinical - clinical/forensic PhD training.
Effective Expert and Factual Witness Behavior: A Guideline
No matter how thorough and complete an assessment, if the psychological consultant is brought before a court and performs inadequately while questioned the credibility of their work may decrease in the eyes of the court. This month a thorough guideline to effective witness testimony is presented. Common behavioral errors are identified and appropriate methods of presentation are highlighted.
Criminal Profiling: Applications
A look at the applicablity of criminal profiling to single offense murders.
Forensic Psychology in War and Terror
A look at the application of forensic profiling upon terrorism and war.
Critical Stress - International Disaster
A look at critical incident stress debriefing and its application in the wake of the recent international horror.
Applicability and Ethicity of Behavioral Lie Detection
An examination of the current debate regarding the significant applicability and ethicity of behavioral investigative interviewing.
The Post School Panic
Join me on a brainstorming session as graduate school rolls to and end. And I must decide where to go from here.
The Portable Psychologist
Moving psychology into the modern age. Grab your palm pilot in one hand and head into the ER. No this is not star trek. A look at how you can convert your hand heald computer into a useful psychology tool.
Symposiums and Conferences: Be there or be uninformed?
A look at the best educational opportunity out there. One most of us do not even consider.
Forensic Psychology: A Comprehensive Synopsis (Vol. 2, Part 3)
The conclussion of our comprehensive look at the roles of Forensic Psychology and Forensic Psychologists. This issue: The Court and The Correctional Systems
Forensic Psychology: A Comprehensive Synopsis (Vol. 2, Part 2)
Our comprehensive look at the roles of the forensic psychologist continue. This month with the application of the discipline to investigative proccesses.
Forensic Psychology: A Comprehensive Synopsis (Volume II)
A comprehensive revision of my first article. A look at all of what forensic psychology entails. Based on a lecture series I provided.
Behavioral Lie Detection Part 6 (conclusion)
The final part of the behavioral lie detection series.
Behavioral Lie Detection Part 5
Part 5 of the behavioral lie detection series.
Behavioral Lie Detection Part 4
Part 4 of the behavioral lie detection series.
Behavioral Lie Detection Part 3
Part 3 of the series on behavioral lie detection
Behavioral Lie Detection Part 2
Part 2 of the series on lie detection.
The Detection of Deception Via Non-Verbal Deception Cues Part 1
Part 1 of an extensive analysis of the behavioral detection of deception.
Issues in "Forensic" Psychological Decision Making
In the second component of the correctional/forensic psychology review we examine key factors in the forensic psychological decision making process.
Clinical Psychology vs. Forensic Psychology
The first contribution of a correctional psychology lecture series. This week: A comparison of forensic and clinical psychology.
Profiling Classification Systems
profiling, forensic, psychology
Serial Killer Characteristic Over-generalization
An examination of both media and professional overgeneralization of serial offender characteristics.
Acute and Forensic Environments - Conclussion
The conclusion of an acute vs. forensic environment comparison. This week: The use of varied definitions of mental disorder are examined.
Contrasting Forensic and Acute-Care Psychiatric Environments
A two part look at the differences between these two unique psychiatric environments.
Re-evaluating the use of standardized assessments
Another assessment related insight I have taken from my practicum learning experience and given to you. The importance of the clinical assessment interview. Clinical psychology's most powerful tool.
Profiling: Media Frenzy, Scientific Failure
A look at the media popularity of profiling and the lack of scientific foundation it is based on.
Graduate School: Some new considerations
5 year PhD's or the Masters PhD route? It actually may not seem to be one of your biggest choices. But there is some considerations you may not have made.
Choosing a Forensic Psychology Graduate School
A quick guide on how to pick the forensic psychology graduate school for you.
Testing Profiling: Conclusion.
An informatl validity study of FBI model profiling. Conclusion.
Testing Profiling: How valid can it be really be?
An informal validity study of the FBI profiling approach. Part 1 of 2.
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Ticket to freedom?
A quick discussion on the not guilty by reason of insanity defense.
Psychologists and Prescription Privileges: Correctional Issues
Prescription privileges are on the psychology horizon. Recent estimates believe some state boards will pass legislation allowing psychologists to prescribe within 2 years. The effect of such privileges on the role of the correctional psychologist are discusses. Areas of conern are identified along with their potential resolutions.
Issues with Substance Abuse Assessment in Correctional Settings
Substance abuse has become an exceedingly important issue within the correctional component of the criminal justice system. Recent investigations have show extremely significant relationships between substance abuse and violent crime Accurate assessments and appropriate treatments have become paramount to the safe reintegration of these offenders into the community. Several different approaches to substance abuse assessment exist. However, no current test has escaped questions regarding its validity with a correctional population. Issues with assessment goals, client variability, instrument design, and contextual differences are examined. New promising techniques being standardized by the Correctional Service’s of Canada are investigated. Part 5 of 5
Issues with Substance Abuse Assessment in Correctional Settings
Substance abuse has become an exceedingly important issue within the correctional component of the criminal justice system. Recent investigations have show extremely significant relationships between substance abuse and violent crime Accurate assessments and appropriate treatments have become paramount to the safe reintegration of these offenders into the community. Several different approaches to substance abuse assessment exist. However, no current test has escaped questions regarding its validity with a correctional population. Issues with assessment goals, client variability, instrument design, and contextual differences are examined. New promising techniques being standardized by the Correctional Service’s of Canada are investigated. Part 4 of 5
Issues with Substance Abuse Assessment in Correctional Settings
Substance abuse has become an exceedingly important issue within the correctional component of the criminal justice system. Recent investigations have show extremely significant relationships between substance abuse and violent crime Accurate assessments and appropriate treatments have become paramount to the safe reintegration of these offenders into the community. Several different approaches to substance abuse assessment exist. However, no current test has escaped questions regarding its validity with a correctional population. Issues with assessment goals, client variability, instrument design, and contextual differences are examined. New promising techniques being standardized by the Correctional Service’s of Canada are investigated. Part 3 of 5
Issues with Substance Abuse Assessment in Correctional Settings
Substance abuse has become an exceedingly important issue within the correctional component of the criminal justice system. Recent investigations have show extremely significant relationships between substance abuse and violent crime Accurate assessments and appropriate treatments have become paramount to the safe reintegration of these offenders into the community. Several different approaches to substance abuse assessment exist. However, no current test has escaped questions regarding its validity with a correctional population. Issues with assessment goals, client variability, instrument design, and contextual differences are examined. New promising techniques being standardized by the Correctional Service’s of Canada are investigated. Part 2 of 5
Issues with Substance Abuse Assessment in Correctional Settings
Substance abuse has become an exceedingly important issue within the correctional component of the criminal justice system. Recent investigations have show extremely significant relationships between substance abuse and violent crime Accurate assessments and appropriate treatments have become paramount to the safe reintegration of these offenders into the community. Several different approaches to substance abuse assessment exist. However, no current test has escaped questions regarding its validity with a correctional population. Issues with assessment goals, client variability, instrument design, and contextual differences are examined. New promising techniques being standardized by the Correctional Service’s of Canada are investigated. Part 1 of 5
Reviews of the top Forensic Psychology Texts
Third part of our book review series. A comprehensive look at the key forensic psychology texts. Including evaluations, corrections, and interviewing.
Book Reviews of the Top Criminal Profiling Texts
The follow up to last weeks reviews on Criminal Profiling Laymans Novels. This week take a look at the actual texts the experts use!
Criminal Profiling Book Reviews - Layman Titles
A look at some of the introductory layman titles in criminal profiling.
The Psychology of Police Lineups
An examination of the psychological concerns with police lineups.
Models of Serial Offense Etiology: An Example and an Explanation
A look at how serial offense behavior is researched. Including a serial offense model example.
Mental Disorders and VIolent Crime: Conclusion
In conclusion to the articles on mental disorders and violent crime the paraphilias are examined.
Mental Disorders and Crime: Personality Disorders
An examination of the relationships between personality disorders and criminal behavior/violence.
Mental Disorders and Violent Crime (Part 2)
Part two of the criminal behavior and mental disorders article. Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Anxiety Disorders are discussed.
Mental Disorders and Violent Crime (Part 1)
Arguably, any individual who performs violent criminal acts is mentally ill. It is clear that a normal individual would not act in such a way, and thereby some sort of abnormal process must be occurring. Just what exactly is the nature of the abnormal process is not always so easily identified. Part 1 - Childhood Disorders and Crime
Ethics in Correctional Practice Part 3 of 3
An analysis of ethical issue in correctional practice. Part 3 of 3.
Ethics is Forensic Practice Part 2 of 3
A comprehensive evaluation of ethical issues in correctional psychology. Part 2 of 3.
Ethics in Forensics Practice 1 of 3 Parts
While corrections has become a highly popular sub-discipline of psychology, it is also riddled with unique ethical dilemmas and conflicts. The primary role of the correctional psychologist, consent, treatment issues, confidentiality, and disciplinary roles have created consistent ethical issues. Ethical violations are identified and contradictions addressed.
Forensic Psychology Graduate Training: Your Options!
A lot of people seeking graduate training in forensic psychology limit themselves to the programs that are aimed primarily at those interests. This is a very common mistake made by unknowing undergraduates. This article shows you that a general clinical program can be just as good (if not better) at providing you the forensics training you need.
Jury Functioning Part 5
The conclussion of my jury functioning research.
Jury Functioning Part 4
Part 4 of my jury research
Jury Functioning Part 3
Part 3 of my jury research
Jury Functioning
Part two of my jury research on morals and lonliness.
The Effects of Loneliness and Moral Reasoning on Jurors
An actual experimentation on jury functioning presented in whole (one each day for the next week - My way of making up for missed weeks). Part 1
Child Sexual Abusers - The Response
A response to the critical letter regarding my child sexual abuse article.
Child Sexual Abuse - Reader Feedback and My Response
A readers critical response to my article on child sexual abusers. See Tuesday for the response to this review.
The Future of Criminal Profiling
A look at the potential future/fates of criminal profiling. Where it is now, where it may/should go, and other questions about its future.
Forensic Psycholgy Graduate Programs
A comprehensive list of Forensic Psychology graduate programs throughout the world.
The Jury Consultant/Researcher
A Quick look at the role of the jury consultant and jury researcher.
Forensic Psychology Graduate Education: Notes and Ideas
A brief look at some possible advice for selecting your forensics grad school.
Criminal Profiling In Fiction
A look at the fictional representations of Criminal Profiling
Critical Incident Stress Management
Police Psychology doesn't always involve criminals. Police officers have one of the worlds most stressful jobs. Critical Incident Stress Management was created to deal with these stessors.
EYEWITNESS MEMORY: ITS PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
Eyewitness memory has come under a lot of criticism. And for good reason. Inside you will find why eyewitness testimony should be taken critically along with a possible solution.
A PERSONALITY PROFILE OF TYPICAL CHILD SEXUAL ABUSERS
A personality profile of the typical child sexual abuser. I quick glance at where a profile begins by the use of statistics and typical personality characteristics.
The British Columbia Child Pornography Debate: A Discussion
Earlier this year Canadian media and government was in an uproar over a British Columbia Judge's ruling on the unconstitutionality of the Canadian child pornography laws. While there is always reason for public concern on such an issue it is my belief that the judges decision was misrepresented and in fact was actually for the best, both legally and psychologically. Let me explain the decision as I understand it.
The level of punishment must strike a balance.
Special guest author Evan Spencer (saves my but again - sorry family emergency) ... With this look at the multiple methods of correctional system punishment. An intriguing and thought provoking read.
Forensic Psychology: Just the FAQ's
I get a lot of email from people interested in Forensic Psychology. Most of the questions are the same. And I like to answer as many as I can. Most of the stuff wouldn't fill an entire article. So I decided to combine them for your interests! So take a look inside who knows how many of your questions will be answered!
Criminal Profiling: An Informal Introduction and Discussion
A brief informal look at criminal profiling. You asked for it. Read this and you'll know what it is!
What is criminology?
What is criminology: My understanding of the discipline, and its promise for the future. Special Guest Author Evan Spencer Provides a comprehensive explanation of Criminology to help eliminate some of the confusion you folks may have. While this discipline is not forensic psychology the often overlap. So take a look.
Forensic Psychologists vs. Forensic Psychiatrists
A brief evaluation of the literature concerning forensic evaluations as preformed by Forensic Psychologists versus Forensic Psychiatrists
Relationship Between Biochemistry and Aggression (Conclusion)
The conclussion of the three part serious on bio & neurochemical influences on aggressive behavior in humans.
The Relationship between Biochemistry and Aggression (part 2)
The relationships between biochemistry and neurochemistry with violent human aggression is investigated. Biochemical studies strongly support a positively correlated relationship between testosterone and aggression. A mediating relationship between cortisol and testosterone is apparent. Neurochemical evidence is not as clear. However, a significant relationship between serotonergic functioning and aggression is evident. Causal relationships have been difficult to infer, but, are somewhat supported. THIS WEEK: Cortisol and Serotonin
The relationship between Biochemistry & Aggression (Part 1)
The relationships between biochemistry and neurochemistry with violent human aggression is investigated. Biochemical studies strongly support a positively correlated relationship between testosterone and aggression. A mediating relationship between cortisol and testosterone is apparent. Neurochemical evidence is not as clear. However, a significant relationship between serotonergic functioning and aggression is evident. Causal relationships have been difficult to infer, but, are somewhat supported.
A QUICK A-Z GUIDE TO THE FORENSIC SPECIALTIES
Through the course of their career the Forensic Psychologist, particularly those involved with criminal investigations, will cross the paths of several other forensic investigators. A working knowledge of each of these disciplines is essential to the professional investigator. I have defined a number of the key specialists involved in criminal investigations.
The Faltering Common Law Jury System (Part 3 of 3)
The conclusion of the three part jury verdict literature evaluation. Judges effects, procedural concerns, a general discussion, and possible solutions are provided.
The Faltering Common Law Jury System (Part 2)
Building on last weeks editorial, the effects of attributes of the jurors and the lawyers on verdicts in a court trial are investigated.
The Faltering Common Law Jury System-A Psychological Perspective
A trial by jury is possibly the single most defining feature of the common law legal system. As a people we hold a trial by jury as the ideal form of unbiased judicial procedure. However, one should be concerned with this belief, especially due the the preponderance of experimental evidence that suggests the jury system is failing in almost every one of its goals. This review considers evidence that portrays the 'jury of one peers' as a group that is highly susceptible to stereotypes, manipulation, and influences, all of which go far beyond the scope of legally relevant information.
THE ONLINE GUIDE TO BEING AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS
A great deal of a forensic psychologists time is spent in the courtroom. Courtroom behavior can make or break a psychologists career. Provided is a guide on how a expert witness (or any witness for that matter) can be a successfull witness.
Aggression Types and Criminal Behavior
A number of different processes may underlie any particular aggressive act. Understanding why a particular individual is behaving in a certain way is essential for an appropriate intervention to be created. Provided is Moyer's (1976) 8-part typology of aggression. The forensic implications of each act are considered.
A Course Guide to Maximizing Your Undergrad Degree for Forensics
HOW I'VE TURNED MY UNDERGRADUATE PSYCH PROGRAM INTO A FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM (OR WHAT COURSES TO TAKE TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR FORENSICS)
Psychological Thoughts on the Biomedical-Legal Euthanasia Debate
For the last decade, debates concerning the ethicity of passive and active euthanasia, and mercy killings, have been very dramatic. Psychological knowledge provides a number of thought provoking views on this current controversy. This paper provides a cost-benefit analysis of psychological suffering surrounding euthanasia and chronic illness, including recommendations of how the legalization of euthanasia could alleviate a number of these issues. The role of psychological evaluations as a follow up to requests for euthanasia is discussed. The application of a psychological autopsy to mercy killing cases is proposed.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY: THE MISUNDERSTOOD BEAST (PART 2)
Examines the applications of psychological knowledge to the courtroom and the correctional system.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY: THE MISUNDERSTOOD BEAST (PART 1)
An introduction to Forensic Psychology: What it is and what they do!