Forensic Psychology Review Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts in Forensic Psychology.

Forensic Psychology

Applies psychological principles to legal issues and studies behavior relevant to law.

Classical Theory of Crime

Focuses on crime and punishment.

Neoclassical Theory of Crime

Focuses on the mind and criminal responsibility.

Positivist Theory of Crime

Focuses on rehabilitation and treatment.

Key Aspects in Forensic Psychology

The ability to testify and present findings in legal language and maintaining credibility as a witness.

Forensic Psychologist

Objective, evaluates defendants, detects malingering.

Clinical Psychologist

Empathic, therapeutic.

Lightner Witmer

Father of Clinical Psychology.

Albert von Schrenck-Notzing

First forensic application.

Hugo Münsterberg

Introduced psychology in court (1892).

Prof. Lionel Haward

Father of Criminal Justice Psychology (1981, UK).

Media Influence in Courtroom

Publicity can distort witness memory; press may cause retroactive/prospective memory effects.

Forensic Psychology

Uses cognitive insights (memory, thoughts).

Cognitive Psychology

Studies internal mental processes.

Developmental Psychology

Studies human psychological changes over life, focusing on social, emotional, motor, and cognitive development.

Social Psychology

Studies the influence of others on behavior; Behavior = function of Person and Environment.

Police Psychology

Law enforcement, stress, recruitment.

Investigative Psychology

Criminal investigations, patterns.

Criminal Psychology

Behavior and motives of criminals.

Legal Psychology

Focus on judges/legal system.

Correctional Psychology

Prison setup, PDLs.

Beneficence & Non-Maleficence

Protect rights and welfare.

Responsibility (Ethical Issue)

Trust, clarity, pro bono work.

Justice (Ethical Issue)

Equal access to services.

Respect (Ethical Issue)

Privacy, autonomy, dignity.

Clinical Role of Forensic Psychologists

Assess psychological state (fitness to stand trial).

Experimental Role of Forensic Psychologists

Research and expert testimony.

Actuarial Role of Forensic Psychologists

Statistical risk analysis (likelihood to re-offend).

Advisory Role of Forensic Psychologists

Advice to police, court, probation.

Criminal Investigation Function

Assist offender apprehension and crime mapping.

Crime Analysis (Intelligence Analysis) Function

Case linkage and resource focus.

Offender Profiling Function

Use crime scene data to infer offender traits.

Interviewing and Deception Detection Function

Reliable evidence gathering.

Police Psychology Function

Recruitment, stress management, counseling.

Assessment & Treatment of Offenders Function

Rehabilitation and management in incarceration.