Forensic Psychology Exam 1

Forensic Psychology

The intersection of psychology and the legal system, where psychological knowledge is applied to legal issues.

Polygraph

A device that measures physiological responses to determine truthfulness or deception, based on the theory that lying produces physiological changes.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s pre-existing beliefs.

Relevant-Irrelevant Test (RIT)

A polygraph test that asks a mix of irrelevant and relevant questions, but has a high rate of false positives.

Control/Comparison Question Test (CQT)

The most common polygraph method that uses control questions to compare responses.

Guilty Knowledge Test (GKT)

A polygraph method that infers guilt based on physiological responses to information that only a guilty person would recognize.

Lie Detection

The process of assessing whether someone is being truthful, often involving behavioral indicators and physiological measurements.

False Confession

A confession that is either coerced or given voluntarily, but not reflective of the truth.

Modus Operandi (M.O.)

The standard method or pattern of behavior used by a criminal in committing a crime.

Signature

A unique characteristic or ritualistic behavior specific to an offender that reveals their personality.

Denial of Service (DoS) in interrogations

A tactic where an interrogator seeks to gain a confession by overwhelming the suspect psychologically.

Cognitive Interview (CI) technique

A method of interviewing witnesses that enhances recall by using various techniques, enhancing the production of detailed statements.

Framing Effect

A cognitive bias where people react differently depending on how information is presented.

First Responders

Individuals that are the first to arrive at an emergency scene and begin providing assistance.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Criminal Profiling

An investigative tool used to identify behavioral patterns and characteristics of offenders based on crime scene evidence.

Psychological Autopsy

An investigative process that seeks to determine the mental state of an individual prior to their death.

Barnum Effect

When people accept ambiguous information and descriptions as characteristic of themselves. Profiles can be very ambiguous

Geographic Profiling

Also known as criminal spatial mapping. Criminals often stay in and are likely to be caught in a geographical comfort zone. Statistical techniques are used to uncover patterns in movement and environment. As the number of crimes increases, so does the usefulness of the technique to determine "hot spots" for certain crimes.

Trace Evidence

Refers to fragments of physical evidence like fingerprints, hair, and skin cells

Organized vs. Disorganized Killers

Careful selection of victim, plan attack, average IQ, have patience and self-control, use more elaborate rituals, often stalk victim. Impulsive, below average IQ, use any weapon, leave weapons at scene, may use dead body for sexual purposes

Latent Fingerprints

Prints found at the scene of a crime that are not readily visible.