Psychology: Ethics and Ethical Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is a key concern regarding the use of risk assessment tools in correctional settings when dealing with Indigenous offenders?

The lack of standardized procedures for administering and interpreting risk assessment results.
The potential for cultural bias in risk assessment tools leading to inaccurate evaluations. (correct)
The over-reliance on subjective professional judgement, leading to inconsistent application.
The limited availability of risk assessment tools specifically designed for Indigenous populations.

Which of the following is a primary challenge in ensuring that risk assessment tools are culturally appropriate?

The resistance from correctional staff to adopt culturally sensitive assessment methods.
The inherent differences in worldview, behavioral practices, and expectations between cultures. (correct)
The difficulty in translating Western legal concepts into Indigenous languages.
The lack of participation of Indigenous communities in the development of risk assessment tools.

How might 'Structured Professional Judgement' mitigate cultural bias in risk assessment?

By exclusively relying on statistical data to predict re-offending.
By standardizing the interpretation of risk assessment scores across different cultural groups.
By removing all subjective elements from the risk assessment process.
By providing professionals the flexibility to consider culture-specific information. (correct)

What underlying assumption is challenged by the recognition of cross-cultural differences in risk assessment?

The assumption that risk assessment tools are universally applicable and ethnically neutral. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of relying on professionals to incorporate culture-specific information in risk assessment?

Professionals may lack adequate training in multiculturalism and inadvertently introduce their own biases. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Mr. Lewis, a forensic psychologist must prioritize ethical considerations. Which action best demonstrates the principle of beneficence in this scenario?

Providing Mr. Lewis with comprehensive mental health support and anger management resources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the multiple factors influencing criminal behavior, which approach would provide the most comprehensive understanding of why an individual engages in criminal activities?

Integrating biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Dr. Miller's study suggests a correlation between fathers with a violent history and their sons' criminal involvement. What is the most accurate interpretation of this correlation?

It indicates a possible genetic predisposition, but does not establish causation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A forensic psychologist is asked to evaluate Mr. Lewis. Which of the following actions would be most important to ensure informed consent?

Explaining the purpose of the evaluation, the limits of confidentiality, and his right to refuse. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Many theories of criminal behavior are based on White, Euro-centric values. What is the primary implication of this limitation?

These theories may not accurately explain criminal behavior in diverse cultural contexts. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Within the study of those designated NCR-MD, which combination of factors would make an individual least likely to receive a conditional or absolute discharge from the review board?

A high number of past offenses, a psychotic spectrum diagnosis, and a severe current offense against a person. (B) Signup and view all the answers

An individual found NCR-MD for assault is being assessed by the provincial review board. Which disposition is the board least likely to recommend initially?

Absolute discharge with no further supervision. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The provincial criminal review board consists of several members. Which combination of professionals and community members accurately represents the board's composition?

Mental health professionals, legal professionals, and community members. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering individuals found NCR-MD who committed similar offenses to those who were criminally convicted, which statement accurately reflects their likelihood of detention and release?

NCR-MD individuals are more likely to be detained and less likely to be released after one year. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A person found NCR-MD has a primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder alongside another condition. Based on the provided data, which additional diagnosis is most likely?

Psychotic disorder (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a situation where an individual might be found NCR-MD?

An individual experiencing a psychotic episode assaults a stranger, believing they are acting in self-defense against a perceived threat. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a parole officer in monitoring an individual released on parole?

To ensure the parolee adheres to their correctional plan and report on their progress. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can parole be revoked?

If the parolee violates the conditions of their parole or commits a new offense. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the victim/complainant relationship to the accused in NCR-MD cases, which group is most frequently the victim?

Family members (A) Signup and view all the answers

An individual found NCR-MD is being reviewed annually by the review board. What primary factor will the board consider when determining whether to alter the individual's disposition?

The individual's progress and current mental state. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does an 'absolute discharge' differ from a 'conditional discharge' in sentencing?

An absolute discharge results in no criminal record, while a conditional discharge may be removed from the record later. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of 'restitution' as a sentencing option?

To compensate the victim for expenses resulting from the crime. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can a 'conditional sentence' be suspended, meaning the offender does not have to serve the time incarcerated?

If the offender maintains good behavior and follows all rules set for them during the conditional sentence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the CSC, what is the overarching goal of sentencing?

To ensure respect for the law and maintain a just, peaceful, and safe society. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'retribution' in the context of sentencing practices?

The idea that society has the right to harm the perpetrator when harmed, with punishment proportionate to the crime. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Beyond punishing the guilty, what broader societal purposes does sentencing aim to serve?

To deter potential offenders, offer justice to victims, and promote rehabilitation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the indirect effect of substance use as a clinical risk factor for offending?

An individual commits theft to acquire money for purchasing illicit drugs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A probation officer is assessing a recently released offender. Which factor, if present, would MOST significantly increase the risk of reoffending based on situational risk factors?

Unstable housing with known associates who actively engage in criminal behaviour. (C) Signup and view all the answers

An individual displays a pattern of callousness, manipulation, and lack of remorse. How would this presentation be categorized within dispositional risk factors?

Antisocial personality (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is a strengths-based approach becoming more integrated into risk assessment?

It can improve the predictive validity of assessment tools and reduce stigma. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern regarding the traditional ‘deficit-focused’ approach to risk assessment?

It may increase stigma toward people involved in the justice system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies a situation where access to victims increases the situational risk of offending?

An offender returns to live with the intimate partner they previously abused. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do offence-supportive attitudes function as a dispositional risk factor?

By reinforcing beliefs and justifications that normalize criminal behaviour. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate interpretation of the statement, 'Does the absence of a risk factor produce a protective factor?'

Sometimes, the absence of a risk factor can act as a protective factor, but this isn't always the case. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best illustrates the shift in how risk is perceived in contemporary risk assessment?

From viewing risk as a static category to understanding it as a spectrum of probabilities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it generally more difficult to accurately predict infrequent events compared to frequent events?

The base rate for infrequent events is lower, making it statistically harder to identify true positives. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A risk assessment tool indicates that an individual is highly likely to re-offend; however, they do not. This outcome is an example of what type of prediction error?

False positive (B) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the findings of Steadman & Cocozza (1974) and Thornberry & Jacoby (1979), what is the most accurate conclusion regarding mental health professionals' ability to predict violence?

Mental health professionals consistently over predict the likelihood of violence among released patients. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What critical factor influences the probability of re-offense, highlighting the dynamic nature of risk assessment?

Probabilities can change over time due to factors like aging or altered life situations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What consideration must be taken into account when interpreting base rates in the context of predicting future behavior?

Base rates vary depending on the group studied, the behavior being predicted, and the follow-up period. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a corrections department decides to implement a policy that accepts a higher rate of false positives in risk assessments, what is the most likely rationale for this decision?

To prioritize community safety by closely monitoring individuals, even if some are incorrectly classified as high-risk. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does minimizing false positives affect the occurrence of false negatives in risk prediction?

Minimizing false positives leads to a corresponding increase in the occurrence of false negatives. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Influences of Criminal Behavior

Factors such as poverty, trauma, education, and genetics that affect criminal actions.

Biological Theories of Crime

These theories examine the role of genetics and biological factors in criminal behavior.