Psychology Discussion/Assignment

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PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC GOALS

The field of forensic psychology is relatively new, and it has gained notoriety due to movies such as Silence of the Lambs and television shows like C.S.I. and Criminal Minds. However, the reality of forensic psychology is very different from its portrayal in the media. Forensic psychology professionals rarely assist at crime scenes or do police work such as finger-printing and evidence collection. They are seldom employed by the FBI as Criminal Profilers. However, forensic psychology professionals may analyze crime scene information with regard to the offender’s behavior before, during, and after the crime. They may also compile offender profiles to assist police, and they may assist in interrogations and hostage negotiations.

Professionals within forensic psychology often help decide which parent a child should live with following a divorce. They advocate for victims of sexual assault. They ensure that inmates with mental disorders receive psychiatric services while incarcerated. They assist with debriefing police officers following a crisis. Forensic psychology includes professionals working across multiple settings. Some of these professionals are prepared at the bachelor level.

For this Discussion, you examine the roles available to BS-level professionals in the field of forensic psychology. You also formulate your professional and academic goals.

To prepare for this Discussion:

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE

Review Chapter 1 in Wrightsman’s Psychology and the Legal System. Consider the varied and broad definitions of the field and the roles within it. Review the article “The Practice of Forensic Psychology: A Look Toward the Future in Light of the Past.” Reflect on the need to distinguish between and identify different levels of education needed by practitioners within the field.

Post a response to the following:

Describe your professional and academic goals, whether in in forensic psychology or something else. Be sure to include if your plans include an advanced degree or not, and how you plan to pursue your goals. How else do you see forensic psychology applying to other fields or settings? What are some forensic psychology issues or topics that you would want to explore further and why?

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Respond to postings from at least two of your colleagues in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question and provide insight into how you would answer your question, and why. Ask a probing question and provide the foundation, or rationale, for the question. Expand on your colleague’s posting by offering a new perspective or insight. Agree with a colleague and offer additional (new) supporting information for consideration.

Disagree with a colleague by respectfully discussing and supporting a different perspective.

BY DAY 3

BY DAY 5