Psychology Discussion/Assignment

MENTAL STATUS EXAM OBSERVATION AND REPORT

The purpose of an MSE is to prepare forensic psychologists for their work with suspects, witnesses, or victims of a crime. The psychologist is interested in an interviewee’s ability to recall details, his or her emotional state, and his or her resolve in the face of intense questioning.

In Part I of this assignment, you observe an interviewer asking questions that shed light on these traits and abilities. You use the MSE template to record your observations of the interviewee’s behavior.

There are important differences between this exercise and “real life.” In “real life” the victim of the crime could speak for herself, but in this exercise the only evidence is the videotaped interview and the grainy film from a simulated security camera. Also, in “real life” you would probably have only one chance to interview the witness; in this exercise, you are able to observe the interview multiple times.

To prepare for this Application Assignment:

Read all of the required Learning Resources. View the simulated security camera video footage in the media, conduct a Mental Status Exam, found in this week’s Learning Resources Review the MSE template before viewing the MSE media. Complete the MSE template while viewing the MSE video. Be sure to cite evidence that supports your observations.

For Part 2 of this Assignment, you will write a 3– to 5–page report based on your observations. The report is designed to summarize your observations and provide recommendations for fellow professionals.

To prepare for this Assignment:

Review the MSE template that you completed in Part 1. Read the sample MSE report included in the Learning Resources. Read the Gordon & Fleischer chapter on writing a report. Read the forensic report writing tips at forensicmind.com. (Note: Bear in mind that these tips are directed at forensic psychiatrists, not forensic interviewers. As a forensic interviewer, you will not be diagnosing mental disorders, prescribing medication, judging the effects of medication, etc.) Review the APA Professional Guidelines (Week 1 Learning Resources).

The Assignment:

Submit the MSE Template and a 3– to 5–page report that contains two sections:

1. Summary of observations Summary of each component area of the MSE. Provide examples from the video.

2. Recommendations for fellow mental health and legal professionals that include:

RESOURCES

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

WEEKLY RESOURCES

BY DAY 7

Tailored interview strategies Interview setting Recommended time of day for interview Friends or family members who should (or should not) be present in the interview setting Any additional factors that might impact the interview

Support your observations and recommendations by citing the Learning Resources.

Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.

1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK5Assgn+last name+first initial. 2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page. 3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.

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PSYC_4110_Week_5_Assignment_Rubric

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Criteria Ratings Pts

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Summarize of each component area of the MSE.... (60 points)

60 pts

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations for tailored interview strategies.... (15 points)

15 pts

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses

10 pts

60 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

51 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

45 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

38 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

15 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

12 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

10.5 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

9 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

10 pts A Response is complete and

8.5 pts B Response is complete and

7.5 pts C Response is somewhat

6 pts D Response is incomplete or

0 pts F Response is incomplete;

Criteria Ratings Pts demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations for tailored interview setting.... (10 points)

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations for time of day of interview (5 points)

5 pts

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations

15 pts

accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

5 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

4 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

3.5 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

2 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

15 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes

12 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation;

10.5 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain

9 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation;

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information

Criteria Ratings Pts for friends or family members who should (or should not) be present in the interview setting....(15 points)

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations for any additional factors that might impact the interview.... (15 points)

15 pts

Quality of Writing...(15 points) 15 pts

supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

from the Learning Resources when necessary.

15 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

12 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

10.5 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

9 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

15 pts A Writing is clear and organized with few or no errors in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling (MUGS). There is a preponderance of original writing (i.e., use of own

12 pts B Writing is mostly clear and organized with few MUGS errors. Writing is original (i.e., use of own words and proper paraphrasing).

10.5 pts C Writing is somewhat clear and organized with some MUGS errors. Most writing is original (i.e., use of own words and proper paraphrasing).

9 pts D Writing is somewhat unclear and disorganized and/or contains many MUGS errors. There is an overuse of direct quotations and/or

0 pts F Writing is unclear and/or disorganized and/or contains many MUGS errors. There is an underuse of original writing and an overuse

Criteria Ratings Pts

Information documentation...(5 points)

5 pts

Total Points: 140

words and proper paraphrasing).

ineffective paraphrasing.

of directly quoted content.

5 pts A Information from the Learning Resources is properly documented with citation(s) and reference(s) in correct APA style.

3.5 pts B Information from the Learning Resources is partially documented with citation(s) and/or reference(s), and / or does not follow correct APA style.

0 pts C

0 pts D Information from the Learning Resources is not cited or referenced in any way.

0 pts F

USE AND BENEFITS OF THE MENTAL STATUS EXAM

Important Note: For all Discussions in this course, you are required to complete your initial Discussion assignment post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link, and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!

Forensic psychologists are charged with tasks such as determining adjudicative competency, risk of future dangerousness, insanity, suitability for child custody, and competence to waive Miranda rights. As a forensic interviewer, your observations provide a roadmap for the work of forensic psychologists. Forensic psychologists and court personnel depend on the accuracy of documentation.

An MSE helps you organize your observations. It is structured around traits and behaviors, such as appearance, mood/affect, speech/language, thought process, thought content, and perception. An MSE may include any questions that shed light on these traits and behaviors. In this Discussion, you analyze the use and benefits of an MSE with two different suspect/witness types.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Read the chapter in the LeBlond et al. text. Pay close attention to Section 1 regarding the MSE.

RESOURCES

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

WEEKLY RESOURCES

Read the Polanski article, and note the section on the use of the MSE across cultures and age groups.

Post a response to the following:

How does an MSE prepare a forensic psychologist for an interview with an individual with cognitive impairment as opposed to a person without such an impairment? Discuss which component(s) of the MSE you believe is/are most valuable when working with each population, and why. Which items on the MSE may stimulate follow-up questioning, and why? What interview strategies would a forensic psychologist consider when working with each population?

Note: Support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and any additional sources you identify using both in-text citations and complete references in APA format.

Read a selection of your colleagues' postings.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues' initial Discussion assignment postings in one or more of the following ways:

Expand on your colleague’s analysis of the use and benefits of the MSE for a certain interviewee-type. Offer an alternative perspective on your colleague’s posting. 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

MENTAL STATUS EXAM OBSERVATION AND REPORT

The purpose of an MSE is to prepare forensic psychologists for their work with suspects, witnesses, or victims of a crime. The psychologist is interested in an interviewee’s ability to recall details, his or her emotional state, and his or her resolve in the face of intense questioning.

In Part I of this assignment, you observe an interviewer asking questions that shed light on these traits and abilities. You use the MSE template to record your observations of the interviewee’s behavior.

There are important differences between this exercise and “real life.” In “real life” the victim of the crime could speak for herself, but in this exercise the only evidence is the videotaped interview and the grainy film from a simulated security camera. Also, in “real life” you would probably have only one chance to interview the witness; in this exercise, you are able to observe the interview multiple times.

To prepare for this Application Assignment:

Read all of the required Learning Resources. View the simulated security camera video footage in the media, conduct a Mental Status Exam, found in this week’s Learning Resources Review the MSE template before viewing the MSE media. Complete the MSE template while viewing the MSE video. Be sure to cite evidence that supports your observations.

For Part 2 of this Assignment, you will write a 3– to 5–page report based on your observations. The report is designed to summarize your observations and provide recommendations for fellow professionals.

To prepare for this Assignment:

Review the MSE template that you completed in Part 1. Read the sample MSE report included in the Learning Resources. Read the Gordon & Fleischer chapter on writing a report. Read the forensic report writing tips at forensicmind.com. (Note: Bear in mind that these tips are directed at forensic psychiatrists, not forensic interviewers. As a forensic interviewer, you will not be diagnosing mental disorders, prescribing medication, judging the effects of medication, etc.) Review the APA Professional Guidelines (Week 1 Learning Resources).

The Assignment:

Submit the MSE Template and a 3– to 5–page report that contains two sections:

1. Summary of observations Summary of each component area of the MSE. Provide examples from the video.

2. Recommendations for fellow mental health and legal professionals that include:

RESOURCES

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

WEEKLY RESOURCES

BY DAY 7

Tailored interview strategies Interview setting Recommended time of day for interview Friends or family members who should (or should not) be present in the interview setting Any additional factors that might impact the interview

Support your observations and recommendations by citing the Learning Resources.

Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.

1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK5Assgn+last name+first initial. 2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page. 3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Upload a file, or choose a file you've already uploaded.

Comments...

File Upload Text Entry

Drag a file here, or Choose a file to upload

PSYC_4110_Week_5_Assignment_Rubric

I agree to the tool's End-User License Agreement This assignment submission is my own, original work *

Criteria Ratings Pts

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Summarize of each component area of the MSE.... (60 points)

60 pts

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations for tailored interview strategies.... (15 points)

15 pts

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses

10 pts

60 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

51 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

45 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

38 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

15 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

12 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

10.5 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

9 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

10 pts A Response is complete and

8.5 pts B Response is complete and

7.5 pts C Response is somewhat

6 pts D Response is incomplete or

0 pts F Response is incomplete;

Criteria Ratings Pts demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations for tailored interview setting.... (10 points)

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations for time of day of interview (5 points)

5 pts

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations

15 pts

accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

5 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

4 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

3.5 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

2 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

15 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes

12 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation;

10.5 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain

9 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation;

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information

Criteria Ratings Pts for friends or family members who should (or should not) be present in the interview setting....(15 points)

Demonstration of Knowledge. Did the student fully respond to each Assignment prompt? Do the responses demonstrate that the student applied and learned the information or skills? Is the answer accurate?...Recommendations for any additional factors that might impact the interview.... (15 points)

15 pts

Quality of Writing...(15 points) 15 pts

supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

from the Learning Resources when necessary.

15 pts A Response is complete and accurate; contains sufficient details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

12 pts B Response is complete and mostly accurate; contains some details and/or explanation; includes supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

10.5 pts C Response is somewhat complete and/or is somewhat inaccurate; and/or does not contain sufficient details and/or explanation; includes some supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

9 pts D Response is incomplete or is mostly inaccurate; lacks sufficient details and/or explanation; does not include supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

0 pts F Response is incomplete; answers are inaccurate and/or not explained; no supporting information from the Learning Resources when necessary.

15 pts A Writing is clear and organized with few or no errors in mechanics, usage, grammar, or spelling (MUGS). There is a preponderance of original writing (i.e., use of own

12 pts B Writing is mostly clear and organized with few MUGS errors. Writing is original (i.e., use of own words and proper paraphrasing).

10.5 pts C Writing is somewhat clear and organized with some MUGS errors. Most writing is original (i.e., use of own words and proper paraphrasing).

9 pts D Writing is somewhat unclear and disorganized and/or contains many MUGS errors. There is an overuse of direct quotations and/or

0 pts F Writing is unclear and/or disorganized and/or contains many MUGS errors. There is an underuse of original writing and an overuse

Criteria Ratings Pts

Information documentation...(5 points)

5 pts

Total Points: 140

words and proper paraphrasing).

ineffective paraphrasing.

of directly quoted content.

5 pts A Information from the Learning Resources is properly documented with citation(s) and reference(s) in correct APA style.

3.5 pts B Information from the Learning Resources is partially documented with citation(s) and/or reference(s), and / or does not follow correct APA style.

0 pts C

0 pts D Information from the Learning Resources is not cited or referenced in any way.

0 pts F