Forensic Psychology Overview

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms related to forensic psychology, criminal behavior, and therapeutic approaches.

Forensic Psychology

An interdisciplinary branch of psychology that applies psychological knowledge to issues in the civil and criminal justice systems.

Chronic Offenders

A small number of individuals who repeatedly commit crimes, often responsible for a large proportion of criminal activity.

Placebo Effect

The phenomenon where expectations can lead to real changes in health perception or symptoms.

Biological Determinism

The theory that individuals' behaviors, including criminality, can be influenced by genetic factors.

Twin Studies

Research studies that assess the concordance of behaviors or traits between twins to determine genetic and environmental influences.

Cross-Fostering Studies

Research that examines differences in behavior or traits of children raised by their biological parents versus adoptive or foster parents.

Central Eight

A set of eight factors associated with reoffending risk, which treatment programs aim to address.

Māori Overrepresentation

The observation that Māori individuals disproportionately appear within crime and prison statistics.

Risk-Need-Responsivity Framework

A model for offender rehabilitation that emphasizes matching treatment intensity to offenders' risk levels and addressing their specific needs.

Criminogenic Needs

Dynamic factors associated with an increased risk of reoffending, such as antisocial attitudes and behaviors.

Psychopathy

A personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, superficial charm, and manipulative behavior, often associated with criminality.