01_pozz_fp_6e_tb_ch01.docx

Pozzulo/Bennell/Forth, Forensic Psychology, 6e — Test Bank Chapter 01: An Introduction to Forensic Psychology Chapter 01 Multiple Choice Questions 1. Alfred Binet conducted a series of studies on how question types influence the accuracy of child eyewitness reports. What did he find? He found that...

Pozzulo/Bennell/Forth, Forensic Psychology, 6e — Test Bank Chapter 01: An Introduction to Forensic Psychology Chapter 01 Multiple Choice Questions 1. Alfred Binet conducted a series of studies on how question types influence the accuracy of child eyewitness reports. What did he find? He found that direct question types result in the most accurate answers. He found that free recall results in the most accurate answers. He found that highly misleading questions result in the most accurate answers. He found that free recall results in the least accurate answers. He found that eyewitness accuracy did not vary across question type. Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-01 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: B) He found that free recall results in the most accurate answers 2. A professor arranges for a friend to enter her classroom, steal her book, and run out. The researcher then asks her students to provide a description of the “offender” in an effort to study eyewitness recall. What is this an example of? A verifiable experiment A virtual experiment A reality experiment A misinformation test A subjective recall test Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-02 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: C) A reality experiment 3. In 1911, Julian Varendonck, a Belgian psychologist, served as an expert witness in a case where two children were repeatedly interviewed as witnesses in relation to the murder of their friend Cecile. Varendonck studied of the effect of suggestive questioning on child testimony. What did he testify in court? Child witnesses are likely accurate and resistant to suggestion. Child witnesses are likely told what to say by their parents. Child witnesses do not have the vocabulary required to provide useful information. Child witnesses are likely inaccurate and prone to suggestion. Child witnesses are fantasy prone. Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-03 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology Answer: D) Child witnesses are likely inaccurate and prone to suggestion. 4. Place the following events in chronological order: 1 – Cattell conducts some of the first experiments in North America on the psychology of testimony. 2 – APA recognizes forensic psychology as a specialty discipline. 3 – Hugo Munsterberg publishes On the Witness Stand. 4 – The U.S. Supreme court lays out the Daubert criteria for determining when scientific evidence should be admitted in court. 4, 2, 3, 1 3, 4, 2, 1 4, 3, 2, 1 1, 2, 3, 4 1, 3, 4, 2 Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-04 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: E) 1, 3, 4, 2 5. Which psychologist conducted some of the first experiments in the United States on eyewitness testimony? Wundt Cattell Binet Stern von Schrenck-Notzing Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-05 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: B) Cattell 6. In Binet’s studies on the suggestibility of child testimony, what type of technique produced the most accurate recall? Cued recall Direct questioning Report everything instruction Asking mildly misleading questions Reverse-order recall Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-06 Skill: Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: C) Report everything instruction 7. What, based on von Schrenck-Notzing's research, is the impact of extensive pretrial press coverage on the eyewitness testimony called? Post-event misinformation Memory contamination Source monitoring errors Exposure distortion Retroactive memory falsification Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-07 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: E) Retroactive memory falsification 8. In 1906, Hugo Munsterberg worked on the criminal case of a young disabled man (Richard Ivens) from Chicago. As part of this work, what did Munsterberg examine? Eyewitness testimony accuracy Criminal responsibility Mental health records Interrogation records Juror selection methods Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-08 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: D) Interrogation records 9. Which of the following psychologists would be most interested in the expert testimony provided by von Schrenck-Notzing in 1896? A psychologist interested in the diagnosis of juvenile delinquents A psychologist interested in the effect of pre-trial press coverage A psychologist interested in the problems with hypnotic interviewing A psychologist interested in the accuracy of child eyewitnesses A psychologist interested in lie detection Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-09 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: B) A psychologist interested in the effect of pre-trial press coverage 10. Which of the following individuals would be most surprised to hear about research showing that child eyewitnesses can be highly inaccurate? Varendonck Bandura Marston Von Schrenck-Notzing Eysenck Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-10 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: A) Varendonck 11. Which of the following psychologists would be most interested in the expert testimony provided by Varendonck in 1911? A psychologist interested in the diagnosis of juvenile delinquents A psychologist interested in the effect of pre-trial press coverage A psychologist interested in the problems with hypnotic interviewing A psychologist interested in the accuracy of child eyewitnesses A psychologist interested in factors that influence jury decision making Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-11 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: D) a psychologist interested in the accuracy of child eyewitnesses 12. Who is considered the father of forensic psychology? John Henry Wigmore Wilhelm Wundt James Ogloff James Cattell Hugo Munsterberg Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-12 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: E) Hugo Munsterberg 13. Which of the following is the correct pairing of psychologist to their research? Munsterberg – On the Witness Stand Varendonck – La Suggestibilite Von Schrenck-Notzing – "Measurements of Accuracy of Recollection" Cattell – retroactive memory falsification Wigmore – Kriminal Psychologie Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-13 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: A) Munsterberg – On the Witness Stand 14. Which law professor provided a critical response to Hugo Munsterberg’s claims that psychology had much offer to the legal system? William Wundt James McKeen Cattell William James John Henry Wigmore Franz von Liszt Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-14 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: D) John Henry Wigmore 15. According to Sheldon's (1949) constitutional theory, which of the following types of individuals are most likely to become involved with crime? Ectomorphs Mesomorphs Those with lesions in the temporal lobe Those having experienced maternal deprivation Men with two Y chromosomes Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-15 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: B) Mesomorphs 16. According to Sutherland’s (1939) differential association theory, what is a crime the result of? Poverty Labelling Learning Socio-economic strain High levels of extraversion and neuroticism Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-16 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: C) Learning 17. Which of the following theorists is associated most closely with labelling theories of crime? Merton Becker Sutherland Bowlby Bandura Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-17 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: B) Becker 18. According to Eysenck, which of the following would be at risk for criminal behaviour? Someone with good conditionability Someone with low levels of extraversion and neuroticism Someone with high levels of extraversion and neuroticism Someone who is easy to socialize Someone with low self-control Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-18 Skill: Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: C) Someone with high levels of extraversion and neuroticism 19. Which of the following is the correct pairing of psychologist(s) to theory? Sheldon – strain theory Eysenck – chromosomal theory Akers – social learning theory Gottfredson and Hirschi – biosocial theory Sutherland – dyscontrol theory Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-19 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: C) Akers – social learning theory 20. What was the first court case that a psychologist served as an expert witness in the United States? State v. Driver People v. Hawthorne Brown v. Board of Education R. v. Hubbert Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-20 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: A) State v. Driver 21. What issue in the case of Jenkins v. United States (1962) is of most interest to forensic psychologists? The right for a defendant to plead not guilty by reason of insanity The duty to inform a third party of potential risks The duty to report suspected cases of child abuse The admissibility of expert testimony from psychologists on mental disorders The use of psychology in civil trials Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-21 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: D) The admissibility of expert testimony from psychologists on mental disorders 22. What area have Canadian forensic psychologists made the most significant contributions? Eyewitness testimony Jury decision making Deception detection Corrections Police selection Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-22 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: D) corrections 23. Where was the first federal correctional psychologist hired? British Columbia Ontario Quebec Northwest Territories Alberta Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-23 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: C) Quebec 24. In what legal case did the Supreme Court of Canada first define the criteria for determining when the testimony of expert witnesses, including psychologists, would be admitted in court? R. v. Daubert R. v, Mohan R. v. Gladue R. v. Oickle R. v. Hubbert Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-24 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: B) R. v, Mohan 25. Which of the following points demonstrates that forensic psychology has established itself as a legitimate discipline? The development of professional associations that represent the interests of forensic psychologists. A consensus on the definition of forensic psychology. The fact that forensic psychologists now regularly take on the role of legal scholar. The fact that criteria for admitting expert testimony from forensic psychologists have become more lenient. Widespread prescription privileges for forensic psychologists. Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-25 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: A) The development of professional associations that represent the interests of forensic psychologists. 26. According to the narrow definition of forensic psychology, which of the following specialists would not be considered a forensic psychologist? A psychologist who provides risk assessments to the parole board A psychologist who studies how psychopathy influences patterns of offending A psychologist who treats victims and perpetrators of intimate partner violence A psychologist who consults with lawyers concerning whether their clients are fit to stand trial A psychologist who provides court-mandated treatment to offenders Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-26 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: B) A psychologist who studies how psychopathy influences patterns of offending 27. Which of the following is a likely activity of a clinical forensic psychologist? Studying the effects of lighting conditions on eyewitness recall Testing the effect of memory enhancement strategies Examining the ability to link several crimes to one offender Investigating how religious garments worn by witnesses are viewed by jurors Practising relaxation techniques with police officers on leave due to burnout Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-27 Skill: Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: D) Practising relaxation techniques with police officers on leave due to burnout 28. What is the main difference between a clinical forensic psychologist and a forensic psychiatrist? Forensic psychiatrists cannot provide expert testimony in court. Clinical forensic psychologists can prescribe medication. Forensic psychiatrists are not concerned with mental health issues. Clinical forensic psychologists rely more on a medical model of mental illness. Forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors. Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-28 Skill: Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: E) Forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors. 29. Which task is likely to be performed by an experimental forensic psychologist? Evaluating the parents of a troubled teen for custody and access recommendations Delivering treatment programs to high-risk sex offenders Studying the effects of lighting conditions on eyewitness recall Assessing juvenile delinquents in detention centres for behavioural problems Administering a critical incident stress debriefing to correctional officers Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-29 Skill: Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists Answer: C) Studying the effects of lighting conditions on eyewitness recall. 30. Which forensic discipline is concerned with examining the remains of dead bodies in an attempt to determine the time and cause of death through an autopsy? Forensic anthropology Forensic odontology Forensic entomology Forensic pathology Forensic podiatry Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-30 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: D) Forensic pathology 31. Dr. Fahmy works with the police to determine time of death by examining insect activity surrounding a dead body. Which of the following disciplines does Dr. Fahmy work in? Forensic anthropology Forensic odontology Forensic biology Forensic pathology Forensic toxicology Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-31 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: C) Forensic biology 32. Which of the following is an example of “psychology in the law”? A psychologist providing expert testimony in court on the accuracy of eyewitness identification Examining how to improve the assessment of fitness to stand trial Validating a tool for predicting risk of violence A researcher examining factors that affect police decision making in a lab setting Studying the impact of a new interrogation technique to see if it decreases the likelihood that people will make false confessions Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-32 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: A) A psychologist providing expert testimony in court on the accuracy of eyewitness identification 33. Judges use psychological research to decide whether a witness on the stand is lying or telling the truth. What is this a good example of? Psychology and the law Psychology in the law Informational influence Normalization Psychology of the law Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-33 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: B) Psychology in the law 34. Which of the following is an example of research classified as “psychology and the law”? Providing expert testimony on child witnesses Studying the accuracy of eyewitnesses Police using proper interviewing techniques Studying how judicial discretion influences future criminal behaviour Examining how court rulings influence forensic psychologists Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-34 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: B) Studying the accuracy of eyewitnesses 35. Which of the following is an example of research classified as “psychology of the law”? Research on the relationship between police stress and use of force decision making A study on how different judges decide on sentences Studying the effect of the law on the amount of crime in our society A longitudinal study of a sex offender treatment program An investigation into how well clinicians can predict future offending Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-35 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: C) Studying the effect of the law on the amount of crime in our society 36. Which legal ruling requires the police to ensure that youth interrogation rights are explained in a language that is appropriate to a youth’s age and understanding? R. v. L.T.H. R. v, Mohan R. v. Gladue R. v. Oickle R. v. Swain Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-36 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: A) R. v. L.T.H. 37. In what legal case did the Supreme Court of Canada set the guidelines for when, and how, expert testimony should be used in cases involving battered woman syndrome? R. v. Lavallee R. v. Mohan R. v. Gladue R. v. Oickle R. v. Hubbert Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-37 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: A) R. v. Lavallee 38. In what legal case did the Supreme Court of Canada rule that police interrogation techniques using some psychological coercion were an acceptable way to extract confessions? R. v. Swain R. v. L.T.H. R. v. Gladue R. v. Oickle R. v. Hubbert Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-38 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: D) R. v. Oickle 39. In what legal case did the Supreme Court of Canada formally acknowledge that jurors can be biased by different sources of information? R. v. Swain R. v. L.T.H. R. v. Williams R. v. Oickle R. v. Hubbert Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-39 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: C) R. v. Williams 40. What would be considered the most ethical behaviour for a psychologist who is hired as an expert witness? Provide testimony consistent with the party that hired you Ensure that both the defence and the prosecution have an expert witness Provide testimony relevant to the case as you understand it Discuss your testimony with both the defence team and the prosecution team Provide only a written report rather than testify in person Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-40 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: C) Provide testimony relevant to the case as you understand it 41. The goal in psychology is to describe how and why people behave the way they do (i.e., psychology is descriptive). Law, however, is prescriptive. It tells people how they should behave and provides the means to punish people for not behaving in the prescribed way. What does Hess call this dimension difference? Methodology Nature of law Knowledge Criterion Principles Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-41 Skill: Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: B) Nature of law 42. According to Hess (2006), which of the following accurately represents one way that law and psychology can be contrasted? Law is idiographic while psychology is nomothetic. Law is descriptive while psychology is prescriptive. Law is proactive while psychology is reactive. Law is academic while psychology is operational. Law defines truth objectively while psychology defines truth subjectively. Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-1-42 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: A) Law is idiographic while psychology is nomothetic. 43. Psychologists take an exploratory approach that encourages the consideration of multiple explanations for research findings. Lawyers adopt a much more conservative approach. An explanation surrounding a case predominates based on its coherence with the facts and with precedent-setting cases. What did Hess label this dimension difference? Latitude Principles Criteria Methodology Epistemology Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-43 Skill: Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: B) Principles 44. Which of the following was not identified by Hess (2006) as a way that law and psychology is different? Latitude Principles Criteria Purpose Epistemology Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-44 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: D) Purpose 45. Which area does the “general acceptance test” relate to? Eyewitness recall Child witnesses Aggression and segregation in schools Suggestive questioning techniques The admissibility of expert testimony Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-45 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: E) The admissibility of expert testimony 46. What is the name of the American standard for accepting expert testimony; it states that scientific evidence is valid if the research on which it is based has been peer reviewed, is testable, has a recognized rate of error, and adheres to professional standards. The US Standards Test The Mohan Criteria The Merrell Dow Standard The Marston Rulings The Daubert Criteria Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-46 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: E) The Daubert Criteria 47. Why is the case of R. v. Mohan (1994) important for forensic psychologists? It stressed the duty to protect a third party. It dealt with the admissibility of expert evidence. It established guidelines for reporting child abuse. It highlighted the importance of client confidentiality. It dealt with the issue of racial segregation. Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-1-47 Skill: Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: B) It dealt with the admissibility of expert evidence. 48. According to R. v. Mohan (1994), which criteria is not a consideration by judges when determining the admissibility of expert testimony? The expert must be qualified. The testimony must provide information that goes beyond the jurors’ common understanding. The evidence provided must be necessary for assisting the trier of fact. The testimony must have been allowed into evidence by a higher court. The evidence must not violate any rules of exclusion. Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-48 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: D) The testimony must have been allowed into evidence by a higher court. 49. What is the significance of the case of White Burgess Langille Inman v. Abbott and Haliburton Co.? It dealt with junk science in the court room. It ruled that expert witnesses should be independent and impartial. It dealt with issues associated with the insanity defence. It highlighted the importance of voluntary (i.e., non-coercive) confessions. It established guidelines for cross-examination. Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-49 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: B) It ruled that expert witnesses should be independent and impartial. 50. What does the case of R v. D.D (2000) illustrate in relation to admitting testimony from psychological experts? Judges are able to effectively identify junk science. There is subjectivity in the Mohan criteria and the disagreements that can occur between judges as a result of this subjectivity. The Mohan criteria requires more elaboration and clarification for lawyers. Lawyers will be penalized for using “hired guns”. Not all psychologists are equal. It is imperative that lawyers on both sides agree, at the outset of a trial, as to the psychologist who should provide expert opinions to the courts. Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-1-50 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: B) There is subjectivity in the Mohan criteria and the disagreements that can occur between judges as a result of this subjectivity. Chapter 01 Short Answer Questions 1. What are the three major categories of crime theories discussed in your text? List the three categories and describe a specific theory that fits into each category. Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-2-01 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: a. Biological theories - E.g., Sheldon’s constitutional theory suggests that body build and temperament are linked; mesomorphs, due to their aggressive nature and muscular build, are more likely to become involved in crime. b. Sociological theories - E.g., Merton’s strain theory suggests that certain people (e.g., those from the lower class) have restricted access to legitimate means (e.g., education) to achieve valued goals of success (e.g., high paying jobs); some of these individuals will turn to illegitimate means (e.g., crime) in an attempt to achieve these goals. c. Psychological theories - E.g., Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation suggests that early separation of children from their mothers prevents effective social development from taking place; without effective social development, children will experience problems developing positive social relationships and will instead develop antisocial inclinations. 2. Provide a broad definition of forensic psychology. Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-2-02 Objective: 1.1 Identify some of the major milestones in the history of forensic psychology. Answer: According to Bartol and Bartol (2006), forensic psychology is defined as (a) the research endeavour that examines aspects of human behaviour directly related to the legal process and (b) the professional practice of psychology within or in consultation with a legal system that embraces both civil and criminal law. 3. Name the three different types of roles that forensic psychologists can play. Describe the sorts of activities that each type would be involved in (use examples). Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-2-03 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: a. Clinician - As a clinician, the forensic psychologist is interested in mental health issues as they pertain to the legal system. Activities can include research (e.g., validating an assessment tool) and practice (e.g., making risk assessment decisions). b. Researcher - As a researcher, the forensic psychologist is concerned with mental health issues as they pertain to the legal system, but also any other research issues that relate to the law or legal system. Examples of potential activities include examining the effectiveness of risk assessment strategies, determining factors that influence jury decision making, studying the impact of questioning style on eyewitness recall, etc. c. Legal scholar - As a legal scholar, the forensic psychologist is interested in the analysis of mental health law and psychologically oriented legal movements. Most of the activities of the legal scholar revolve around policy analysis (e.g., taser use in police agencies) and legislative consultation (e.g., mandatory arrest legislation in domestic violence cases). 4. According to Haney (1980), there are three primary ways in which psychology and law relate to one another. List, define, and provide an example of each. Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-2-04 Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: a. Psychology and the law - Psychology is viewed as a separate discipline to the law and is used to test various assumptions made by the law or legal system. - E.g., Determining whether risk of violence can be accurately predicted using a specific assessment tool b. Psychology in the law - Psychological knowledge is applied directly within the context of the legal system as it operates. - E.g., The provision of expert testimony about factors that influence the accuracy of eyewitness identifications in a court case c. Psychology of the law - Psychology is used to study the law itself - E.g., A legal scholar examining whether certain laws have helped to reduce the crime rate 5. According to Cutler and Kovera (2011), what are the two main functions of expert witnesses? How do expert witnesses differ from ordinary witnesses in court? Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-2-05 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: - The two main functions of expert witnesses are to provide the court with information that assists them in understanding the issues at hand and to provide the court with an opinion (which must fall within the limits of their areas of expertise). - Expert witnesses differ from ordinary witnesses in that they are able to provide their opinion on a particular matter, whereas ordinary witnesses are only able to testify about what they have directly observed. 6. Hess (2006) discusses at least seven different ways that psychology and law differ. List and define four of these differences (i.e., dimensions). Make sure you mention how psychology and law are different on each dimension. Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-2-06 Skill: Objective: 1.2 Explain the roles and activities performed by forensic psychologists. Answer: a. Knowledge - In psychology, knowledge is gained through cumulative research. - In the law, knowledge is acquired through precedent, logical thinking, and case law. b. Methodology - In psychology, methods are predominantly nomothetic (i.e., goal is to uncover general trends and processes). - In the law, the methodological approach is idiographic (i.e., operates on a case-by-case basis). c. Nature of law - Psychology is descriptive, the goal being to describe how people behave. - Law is prescriptive, telling people how they should behave. d. Epistemology - In psychology, it is assumed that there is an objective truth that can potentially be uncovered using the experimental method. - In the law, truth is defined subjectively and is based on who can present the most convincing argument. e. Principles - In psychology, alternative explanations are considered (i.e., falsifiability). - The lawyer’s goal is to convince the court that his/her explanation is solely correct. f. Criteria - Psychology is cautious and conservative in accepting a hypothesis as true (results must be replicated, etc.). - Law decides truth on the basis of a single case and a criterion that is far more lenient. g. Latitude - The behaviour of a psychologist providing expert testimony in court is severely restricted. - The behaviour of a lawyer within the court is subject to far fewer restrictions. Note. The student need only provide four of the seven dimensions to receive full marks. 7. What is the “general acceptance test”? What is the main criticism associated with this test? Difficulty: Moderate QuestionID: 01-2-07 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: - The general acceptance test is a standard for accepting expert testimony. It states that expert testimony will be admissible in court if the basis of the testimony is generally accepted within the scientific community in which it belongs. - This test formed the basis for admissibility decisions for many years in the United States; however, the major criticism associated with it comes from the vagueness of terms such as “general acceptance” and “the particular field in which it belongs” and whether judges are able to appropriately determine the scope of these terms. 8. What are the four specific Daubert criteria defined by the U.S. Supreme Court that determine when scientific evidence is considered reliable? Difficulty: Easy QuestionID: 01-2-08 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: 1) The research has been peer reviewed. 2) The research is testable (i.e., falsifiable through experimentation). 3) The research has a recognized rate of error. 4) The research adheres to professional standards. 9. What are the Mohan criteria? List and define the four criteria, and identify a potential problem that applies to all of them. Difficulty: Hard QuestionID: 01-2-09 Objective: 1.3 Describe the function of expert testimony and the process by which judges assess its value. Answer: a. The Mohan criteria are the Canadian criteria which outline factors that should be considered when determining the admissibility of expert testimony in court. The four criteria are: - The evidence must be relevant. - The evidence must be necessary for assisting the trier of fact (i.e., it goes beyond the common understanding of court). - The evidence must not violate any rules of exclusion (i.e., it must not relate to whether a witness is telling the truth). - The testimony must be provided by a qualified expert. b. These criteria are potentially problematic as they are highly subject to the discretion of the judge and judges can sometimes be wrong (e.g., the judge determines if the evidence actually goes beyond the common understanding of the jury).