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BOOK REVIEW

In Psychological Profiling: An Evolving Forensic Science (Fort Walton Beach, FL: Precision Influence Technologies Publication. 2011), Dr. Frank Goldstein aims to provide the reader with an overview of the theory and practice of forensic psychological profiling, providing a general foundation of political profiling, criminal profiling, and forensic psychological profiling. Dr. Goldstein has written exten- sively on psychological operations, information operations, and human factors analysis. In fact, his book, Psychological Operations Principles and Case Studies, is the premier text on psychological op- erations in the U.S. and abroad. With contributors from the field of forensic psychology and chapters written by Dr. Goldstein himself, Psychological Profiling provides both the novice and experienced psychological profiler with a wealth of useful information. Divided into four sections, this book gives a broad overview of the many aspects of psychological profiling, each section providing a win- dow into specific profiling areas. The first section of the book focuses on laying a basic foundation for profile assessment, covering what it takes to develop a successful psychological profile. This includes a refresher of basic traits, temperaments, and cognitive and affective domains and how they relate to psychological assessment and profiling.

Book Review by Wendy Briggs 260 pages • ISBN 978-0-9836466-0

Section two gives an outline and methodology for conducting group psychological assessment, including religious and country profiling. Dr. Goldstein provides readers with questions the profiler needs to answer to effectively understand an organization or group, and what to look for when gathering data to develop an accurate country or group profile. Chapter seven provides insight into the often overlooked religious component to profiling by giving a brief history of United States involvement in other nations, and the role religion has played in the outcomes of that involvement. Section three takes the reader through the steps of actually de- veloping and writing a profile/assessment, providing key questions for the profiler to use in his or her evaluation. This section focuses on showing profilers how to create the most common form of assessment provided to investigators, the “snap-shot” assessment. Several examples of “snap-shots” of political figures are provided. It gives a brief explanation of why it is important to measure ef- fectiveness of the profile after each case, but leaves finding the strategies on how to do this up to the reader. Chapters eight and nine are perhaps the most useful chapters of the book, providing step-by-step instructions on how to create a “snap-shot” analysis of a subject through typical means. Section four gives an overview of Psychological Operations (PSYOPS), also known as Military Information Support Operations (MISO), and how it has used psychological assessments for group and country profiles. This section also breaks down the operational facets of PSYOPS and shows where a psychological profiler fits into that structure. The last half of this section provides information that would be of particular interest to those working with local law en- forcement. Chapters fifteen through seventeen provide foundational information for jury profiling, interacting with lawyers, testifying in court, and conducting psychological autopsies. The book also provides an extensive glossary of profiling lan- guage suggested by the profiling students at Marymount University where Dr. Goldstein is currently on staff. The glossary provides the reader with a fuller explanation of subjects related to the psycho- logical profiling field. The appendices provide examples of actual psychological profiles (both group and individual) produced by professional profilers. Forensic psychology is a relatively new science. Therefore, few instructional books on the subject are available. Of those that are on the market, few give such a practical overview of this burgeon- ing science as Goldstein’s Psychological Profiling. While some books focus mainly on criminal investigations or the philosophy of foren- sic psychology, Psychological Profiling provides the information and practical instruction needed for actually conducting the many dif- ferent kinds of psychological profiles. While some prior knowledge of psychology and criminology seems to be expected of the reader, Psychological Profiling does a fairly good job of providing an accessible and easy-to-understand overview of the potentially overwhelming field of psychological profiling. The practical methodology provided makes this book a valuable resource for any forensic psychologist to have on his or her shelf. n

psychological profiling: An Evolving Forensic Science

By Frank L. Goldstein, PhD

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Fall 2013 THE FORENSIC EXAMINER® 73

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