Forensic Assessment

To prepare

• Review the “Filicide or False Confession?” case provided in the textbook.
• Review the articles provided in the Learning Resources.

Assignment
In a 2- to 3-page paper:

• Summarize the “Filicide or False Confession?” case provided in the textbook.
• Evaluate and explain the appropriateness of the use of the forensic assessment instruments (MMPI-2 and the SIRS) used in the case.
• Explain whether other forensic assessment instruments would be more appropriate than the ones utilized in the case.
• Support your assessment of the instruments based on each of the following: 
  • Reliability 
  • Validity
  • Norming sample populations
• Explain why it is important in your present or future forensic role to have a thorough understanding of the assessment instrument(s) utilized by the forensic professional.

Support your responses with evidence from the Learning Resources or other academic material.

Appleby, S. C., & Kassin, S. M. (2016). When self-report trumps science: Effects of confessions, DNA, and prosecutorial theories on perceptions of guilt. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 22(2), 127–140. doi:10.1037/law0000080 

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Perillo, J. T., & Kassin, S. M. (2011). Inside interrogation: The lie, the bluff, and false confessions. Law and Human Behavior, 35(4), 327–337. doi:10.1007/s10979-010-9244-2
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Sellbom, M., & Bagby, R. M. (2010). Detection of overreported psychopathology with the MMPI-2 RF form validity scales. Psychological Assessment, 22(4), 757–767. doi:10.1037/a0020825
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Tarescavage, A. M., & Glassmire, D.M., (2016). Differences between structured interview of reported symptoms (SIRS) and SIRS-2 sensitivity estimates among forensic inpatients: A criterion groups comparison. Law and Human Behavior. Advance online publication. doi:10.1037/lhb0000191
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

University of Michigan Law School. (2016). The National Registry of Exonerations. Retrieved from https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=4640