Forensic Psychology Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is indicated when crime statistics are not in agreement?

The statistics may provide different perspectives on criminal activity. (correct)

There is a systematic error in data collection methods.

All types of crime are reported uniformly.

Each set of statistics is completely inaccurate.

What does the crime index measure?

The economic costs associated with crime.

The total population of criminal offenders.

A comprehensive evaluation of all reported crimes.

The number of serious types of crimes aggregated. (correct)

Which of the following describes white-collar crime?

Crimes of opportunity committed by individuals of low social status.

Crimes perpetrated by professionals during their occupation. (correct)

Violent acts committed in public settings.

Crimes that primarily affect a small group of individuals.

What is the economic cost of the U.S. Criminal Justice System annually estimated at?

$200 billion (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the average cost of a criminal career estimated to be?

$1.5 million (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is cautious interpretation of statistics advised?

Statistics can be influenced by legal changes and political manipulation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of men, according to the text, are estimated to go to prison during their lifetime?

11% (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of serious crime in a crime index?

Embezzlement (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of forensic psychology?

Application of psychological principles in legal contexts (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following definitions of forensic psychology is considered broader and more contemporary?

Application of psychological theories to criminal investigations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does forensic psychology NOT typically deal with?

Statistical reporting of crime rates (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which organization provided a definition of forensic psychology that includes the application of psychology across various sub-disciplines?

American Psychological Association (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main concerns of forensic psychologists in the courtroom?

Facilitating legal decision-making (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the knowledge and skills required for forensic psychologists?

Skills in criminal interrogation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of crime does forensic psychology analyze?

Psychological causes of offending behavior (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which context is forensic psychology applied?

Across various domains of the criminal justice system (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ground rules for in-class discussions as stated in the module?

We respect and presume positive intent (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which role does Dr. Kalliopi Megari hold at City College?

Academic Director of MSc in Clinical Psychology (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is Dr. Megari associated with as an Ambassador?

National Academy of Neuropsychology (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a central focus of the ground rules for discussions?

To acknowledge biases and work to grow past them (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which city is the affiliated education at University of York located?

Thessaloniki, Greece (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Dr. Megari's roles concerning COVID-19 patients?

Leader of Rehabilitation working group (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not listed as an affiliation of Dr. Megari?

Director of a High Security Facility (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of the class expectations described?

To create an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary difference between forensic psychology and criminal psychology?

Forensic psychology involves knowledge of both civil and criminal law. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of forensic psychology is critical for decision-making in legal cases?

Assessment of psychological profiles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one role of a mediator psychologist in the legal context?

To mediate between parties to resolve legal disputes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the gap between psychological research and its practical application?

Scientist-practitioner gap. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What understanding is essential for forensic psychologists regarding criminal behavior?

Understanding of the psychological basis for behavior relevant to the criminal justice system (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of psychologist is involved in evaluating a prisoner's capacity to stand trial?

Correctional psychologist (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in the role of a researcher-practitioner in forensic psychology?

Creation of new psychological knowledge. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do psychologists contribute to criminal investigations?

Through applying psychological principles to understand criminal behavior (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do media portrayals of crime typically influence public perception?

They often focus on unusual or sensational events. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What framework must forensic psychologists understand in their practice?

The legal framework of the criminal justice system (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'evidence-based practices' in forensic psychology?

Methods supported by research findings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main goals of forensic psychologists during assessments?

To consider the social context of the crime. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of psychology is a social psychologist likely to assess in civil cases?

Jury decision-making processes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was introduced in the late 1940s to improve both research and practice in psychology?

The scientist-practitioner model. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which group do forensic psychologists assess when evaluating criminal behavior?

Offenders, victims, witnesses, and investigators (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of psychologist might work as a consultant to police departments?

Clinical psychologist (C) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of women were reported in relation to a specific statistic?

2% (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group was reported to have the highest chance of incarceration?

Black persons (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are incidence rates primarily used to measure?

Frequency of victimization (C) Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the disparity in crime rates among demographic groups?

Generational factors (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concern when comparing crime statistics from different countries?

Legal definitions of crimes (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do prevalence rates differ from incidence rates?

Prevalence rates measure the number of victims over time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What percent of individuals in jail in 2001 were from racial or ethnic minority origins?

64% (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after selecting a crime category on the UNODC data portal?

Choose a subcategory and explore country statistics (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title: CPS2822: Forensic Psychology and the Social Context of Crime
Instructor: Dr. Berartiopi Megari
Academic: Director of MSc in Clinical Psychology
Institution: City College, University of York Europe Campus

Module Information

Class code (Google Classroom): mpewyaq
Assessment:
- 1,500-word report, 40% weighting, due week 10.
- Final Exam, 60% weighting, during exam period.

Ground Rules and Expectations for In-Class Discussions

Be respectful.
Assume positive intent, behavior, and motive.
Listen to understand before responding.
Embrace differing thoughts, perspectives, and comments.
Acknowledge personal biases and work to grow past them.

Affiliations (Dr. Megari)

Lecturer and program leader of postgraduate program in Clinical Psychology at University of York City College in Thessaloniki, Greece
Postdoctoral researcher of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Head of the center of creative activities of children with disabilities, Municipality of Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece
Editor in Chief Journal of Psychiatry & Mental Health
General Secretary of Board of directors & Ethics Committee; President Hellenic Neuropsychological Society
Leader of Rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients working group of NeuroCOVID International; Neuropsychology Taskforce SIG
PIAC Community Outreach Subcommittee of AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION Membership
Engagement Committee of American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA).
National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) Ambassador of Leadership and Ambassador Development Program (LEAD)
Global Membership Committee member of International Neuropsychological Society
Lecturer at University of Ioannina, & University of Western Macedonia Greece
Prison of Thessaloniki Diavata. School of second chance. Counseling psychologist
Global Engagement Representative, International Neuropsychological Society, SLC
University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Outline

Forensic psychology: definitions, forensic psychologists, knowledge and skills.
Social context of crime: knowledge about crime, crime statistics, the extent of crime and criminality, international variations in justice systems.

What is Forensic Psychology?

Applied psychology in criminal justice related settings.
Anything where psychological principles are applied in a criminal justice context.
Includes a wide range of topics, such as offender behavior, police investigations, court processes, and criminal behavior.
Includes the application of psychological principles to all aspects of the criminal justice system.

Forensic Psychology Definitions

Early (narrow) definition: applied psychology to collect, examine, and present evidence in a legal setting, facilitate legal decision-making.
Broader (contemporary) definition: includes the psychological aspects of legal processes, applying theory to criminal investigations, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behavior, and the treatment of criminals. Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge in assisting legal, contractual, and administrative legal matters.

Key Themes of the Module

Contribution of psychology to the Criminal Justice System (CJS).
Exploring why and how people commit crime.
Understanding how psychology contributes to police investigations.
Understanding how psychology can reveal how people behave in the CJS and the processes that shape that behavior.

The Role of Psychologists (Practitioners)

Mediator employed by law firms to resolve legal disputes.
Social psychologists dealing with civil cases, like commercial litigation.
Counselling psychologists assessing potentially violent behaviors (e.g., for security services).
Correctional psychologists assessing prisoners' competence to stand trial, and suggesting treatments.
Clinical psychologists who consult with police departments.

Knowledge and Skills

Understanding of the psychological and legal framework related to criminal behavior.
Application of psychology to criminal investigations, legal and custodial proceedings, and treatment of victims and offenders.
Understanding offender, victim, witness, and investigator psychology.
Applying forensic psychology to assessment, investigation, prosecution, defense activities, and decision-making process.
Extensive practical experience in at least one area of forensic psychology.

Criminal Psychology: Definition

Focuses on all aspects of the psychology of the criminal.
Criminality is not solely a characteristic of individuals but is connected to the social context, law, and justice system.
Overlaps significantly with forensic psychology in terms of knowledge and skills.

Researcher-Practitioner Model

Integrating research and practice in forensic psychology.
Research-led approach is crucial for practical application.
Practitioners should contribute to research, and also apply existing research in practice.
Evidence-based practices should be promoted, and based upon research's findings.

Figure 1.1 Major Components of Forensic Psychology (Diagram)

Major components and application areas of forensic psychology (including police psychology, clinical psychology, investigative psychology, prison psychology, biological psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology etc...).

Introduction of the topic of studying crime.

Forensic Psychology in Pop Culture

List of shows displaying forensic psychology concepts, plots, and characters. Examples include 'Major Crimes', 'SVU', 'NCIS', Criminal Minds', 'CSI', 'The Mentalist', 'Castle', 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'.

Introduction

Personal experience with crime, and media portrayals (social media, conventional media).
Media portrayals accuracy, and overrepresentation of sensational crime events, violent crime, (not always proportionate with actual frequency).

Crime Statistics

Crime statistics are not always simple to understand or always accurate.
Different perspectives can generate different reports.
Cautious interpretation of crime statistic is mandatory.

The Extent of Crime

Crime indices are composite measures of crime, usually focusing on serious crime types.

The Economic Cost of Crime

US criminal justice system costs.
Crime victim costs.
Cost of a criminal career.
Preventing crime, and cost-effectiveness.

The Extent of Criminality

White-collar crime: crimes committed by respectable and high-status individuals in their professional capacity. Criminal activities such as fraud, embezzlement, etc.
Extent of general population criminality: high (e.g., almost everyone has committed a trivial crime).

Biases in the Criminal Justice System

Imprisonment rates often biased toward certain demographic groups, and racial/ethnic minorities.
Important factors to be aware of regarding fairness and equity.

Crime Rates and Reporting

Prevalence: rates of people who report being a victim of a specific. crime.
Incidence: frequency of being victimised; number of crimes that occur.
Comparing International crime rates: difficulty in comparing due to differing definitions of crimes between countries, difficulty in accurate statistical reporting and differences in reporting practices and laws.

International Variations in Justice Systems

Vast variability in criminal justice systems globally.
Importance of awareness of different structures and components in criminal justice systems.
Cautiousness when generalizing findings based on one justice system.
Importance of understanding different systems alongside each other.

Activity

Practical tasks and assignment activities in the subject.
Visiting databases and using the information to evaluate different aspects of crime statistics.

Resources:

Videos (examples on YouTube related to forensic psychology)
Websites (examples including UN data portal).

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Description

Test your knowledge on crime statistics, white-collar crime, and the role of forensic psychology. This quiz covers key concepts and challenges faced within the criminal justice system. Understand how forensic psychology applies to various sub-disciplines and the courtroom.