Dunbar 1
Leigha Dunbar
Jennifer Browning
English -111-YD1
17 October 2017
The life of a Forensic Psychologist
A mother of four children known and respected by her community is charged with killing three of her four children. When hearing a story like this one, what does one think? Why did she kill her children? What would drive a mother to kill her own children? After police find the motive behind the killing, it is found that taking on the responsibility of being a single mother drove the motive of the killings. One wonders what the mother was thinking or going through to commit such a hannis crime. Solving a crime involves forensic science to help catch a criminal but sometimes it requires a little more, forensic psychology. Forensic
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Why is Forensic Psychology needed? Forensic Psychology can play an important role in solving a case. Professionals in this particular field can narrow down a suspect list or provide a motive behind a crime(s). The field of forensic psychology is important because it can help prevent future crimes as well. Psychologists in this field may be called for rehabilitation for criminals , to insure the law is abided. Research conducted by professionals in this field can pinpoint crime before one has the chance to commit the crime.
What degrees are required for Forensic Psychology? For general education, forensic psychology can have a focus on psychology, criminology, and forensics. There are different ways that one could earn their degree for this field. One could earn their bachelor's degree with the main focus of psychology and or criminal justice. One could also earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or criminal law/ justice and have a focus of psychology. Although, having a bachelors is nice to have under one's belt, most require a masters to be successful in this career. This field in forensic psychology, a masters degree in Psychology is recommended. Being in the field of psychology, it is important to stay informed on upcoming research. Those including cognitive, clinical , developmental, and behavioral. It is important to have an understanding of law and criminology: laws, statutes, and legal procedures of the
It is no secret that forensic psychology is an example of an area where psychologists apply their knowledge of psychological approaches, methods and treatments to a specific problem. However, before assessing the implications, it is crucial to establish the research methods used in criminal
I chose to learn about forensic psychology. Working as a forensic psychologist you have many responsibilities, you must carry out one-on-one assessments, often to assess the risk of reoffending (for lifers being released into the community or sex offenders after a treatment program) or of suicide, self-harm or other high-risk behaviour. You can undertake the bullying going in the jail or analysis for client profiling or undertake projects to evaluate situations affecting prisoners. In order to become a forensic psychologist you need at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology, but usually a bachelor’s is not enough to pursue forensic psychology career. Master’s or a doctorate are necessary for this field. I didn’t realize that
In order to understand how this may be done, allow me to define Forensic Psychology. You see forensic psychology is the practice of psychology related to the legal system. This involves relationships with federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies; attorneys and the court; corrections and treatment facilities; and working with people whose behavior or situation leads them into involvement with the courts.
Throughout my educational journey, my interest and attention was always captivated by classes which had even the slightest tendency towards Forensic Psychology. Yet, my passion remained unconscious until I took a class of Criminal Law in Business, class which seemed to hold the answer for the consuming question “What am I going to study at University?” From there, I began putting the puzzle pieces together, determined to find the source of the spark- Law, Criminology, Forensic Science all seemed to bring me closer to the right one for me: Forensic Psychology. Reading the first few lines of the field description was enough to assure me that there is no other subject could fascinate, intrigue and motivate me to give by best to apart from this. I became infatuated with the evidence that evil in a human being can be so incandescent, transparent and mischievous that it could bring down any barrier of normality. I became absorbed by its power to grow into the mind and punish the
Forensic (criminal) psychology is a job field that deals with both psychology and law. The field has experienced dramatic growth in recent years due to the role of popular movies, television programs and books popularizing the field. Often these individuals are depicted as vivid components in solving vicious crimes or timing out a criminal’s next home. While these depictions of certainly entertaining, yet these portrayals are not necessarily precise. Forensic psychologists play an instrumental role in the criminal justice system while applying psychological principles to the legal system. The crossover of the two spheres is best decided in the Encyclopedia of Psychology,
Hello, My Name is Danielle Odom and I am a freshman at Valdosta State University. I want to be a forensic psychologist. For starters, I have always known that I wanted to do something that dealt with psychology due to my family’s “mental” state. It was not until my 11th grade year that I realized I had a passion for forensic psychology. There are a multitude of reasons why I want to enter into this career. Aside from the fact that forensic psychologists are financially taken care of, they also are able to get to the root of major crimes by talking to convicted felons and seeing why they committed the crime, this very sentence alone is the main reason why I want to enter into this field. Forensic psychologists are able to ask questions like:
The Insanity defense is mentioned as confusing to the psychiatric and legal concept. Furthermore, it is explained that the word “insane” is more of a legal word, then a medical term, and therefor to prove a person or a criminal insane, one must find the mental condition, of a criminal, severely impaired to the point of losing one’s free will. A psychiatrist may be or may not able to determine such illness, and a jury’s decision solely based on a psychiatrists’ opinion may be grounded on unreliable evidence. Retrieved from; West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2 (2008).
Forensic Science has contributed to our world a great deal. People often misunderstand Forensic Science and believe it is much more capable than it really is. As a matter of fact what you see on T.V. is around 80% false or over exaggerated in some way. To Start of, Criminal Investigation is the largest and most known form of Forensic Science. Some of the more known areas include; Fingerprinting, Ballistics, DNA Identification, Fiber Samples, Computer Animation, Documentation analysis, etc. To get this out of the way in the beginning, what you saw on last night’s law and order is far from the truth. Things they do in a matter of hours take months at a time, and most of the time aren’t even plausible concepts.
As field, psychology was born of ancient philosophy and philosophers, and began to take root and grow in the 19th century (Candalis &Neal, 2014, p. 20). Psychologists started working with, and within, the courts in the early 1900’s (DeMatteo, Krauss, Marczyk & Burl, 2009, p. 185), however, the first big strides for forensic psychology were not made until 1954,
In addition, whereas in clinical psychology, there is one 'client' (the subject being treated or analyzed), in forensic psychology, there are many 'clients' (the court, the prosecution/defense, the jury, etc.). Therefore, although by constitution forensic psychological assessments do not vary greatly from clinical forensic assessments, by nature and by virtue of the role they are expected to play in the legal system, they are very different.
Psychology has always had a direct impact on my life for many years for example, I myself have had counselling sessions for anxiety. Experiencing this has given me a desire to work with people in understanding their behaviour and how their minds work to be able to empower individuals to lead better lives. My own personal experience with anxiety has also intrigued me into thinking why I think the way I do and what can be put into action to improve my circumstances.
Identically another article named “How to Become a Forensic PSychologist,” it’s quoted, “Most jobs in the forensic psychology field require a Master’s degree… Those interested in achieving a position of seniority should pursue a PhD or PsyD,” (“How to Become a Forensic Psychologist” 2). All of these experts are saying the same thing, a doctorate degree will get the best job offers and will knock out any competition with only a Master’s degree. This line of work is though, and a willingness to spend a few extra years to expand any previous knowledge is looked upon favorably by employers.
1). Forensic Psychology is the application of the theories of psychology to law and the legal system. Issues of violence and its impact on individuals and/or groups delineate the main and central concerns in Forensics within the adult, juvenile, civil, and family domains. Forensic psychologists provide advice to legislators, judges, correctional officers, lawyers, and the police. They are called upon, for example, to serve as an expert witness, diagnose and treat incarcerated and probationed offenders, and screen and evaluate personnel in the law enforcement and judicial systems. Forensics encompasses a wide range of academic orientation. Synonyms for Forensic psychologists include criminal psychologist,
Are also matters that are handled from someone working in the forensics of psychology. Becoming a successful forensic psychologist requires at least the solid clinical psychology training and experience. Firm grounding in scientific theory and empirical research “understanding of scientific validity, research design, statistics, and testing” critical thinking skills thorough knowledge of social and cultural issues legal knowledge “including mental health law, case law, and courtroom procedures” excellent writing skills strong oral presentation skills and the ability to maintain one's composure under stress. Forensic Psychologists apply psychology to criminal justice. Although similar in some aspects, forensic psychology is different than forensic science.
A Forensic Psychologist focuses on “why people do bad things, why they commit crimes, lie to police officers, and treat their children abusively” (AllPsychologyCareers). There is this fascination with criminals and the psychopathy behind their actions and thoughts. According to All Psychology Careers, this field of study focuses on all types of research in psychology including clinical, developmental, social, clinical, behavioral and neuropsychological to blend together ideas and studies to apply to criminal action. The major focus of forensic psychologist is criminology and law because there needs to be a broad understanding of how the judicial system works and what statutes apply in what states. This type of work can be applied in many different settings such as prisons, correctional facilities, court systems, government agencies, parole boards and research.