Assignment:
Investigative Psychology
There is a documented psychology to criminal investigators and investigations. It is important to analyze how our biases and assumptions influence our assessment of individuals and to analyze and understand psychological profiling in law enforcement. This provides a platform to determine cultural-based behavior patterns that may be specific to certain segments of the population. It is also important to understand the impact of these events and the psychological ramifications for victims and for investigators.
You will
Analyze the behavior of the investigator(s), including the analysis of the crime scene.
Describe the psychological, behavioral, environmental, and cognitive factors that you believe influenced the investigation. (The goal is to understand the role these factors play in how an investigation is conducted and potentially on the outcome of the investigation.)
Discuss what role, if any, the psychological profile of the offender played in how the investigation was conducted and in any subsequent court proceedings.
Analyze how our biases and assumptions influence assessments of individuals.
Describe how cultural-based behavior patterns specific to certain segments of the population impact these biases and assumptions, particularly relative to psychological profiling in law enforcement.
The Investigative Psychology paper
Must be at least three double-spaced pages in length
Must use at least two scholarly sources in addition to the course texts.
Must document all sources in APA style
References to use:
Bartol A., & Bartol C. (2015). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Bennell, C., Gendreau, P., Snook, B., & Taylor, P. (2008). The criminal profiling illusion: What's behind the smoke and mirrors? Criminal Justice and Behavior, 35(10), 1257-1276.
Heilbrun, K., & Brooks, S. (2010). Forensic psychology and Forensic Science: A proposed agenda for the next decade. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 16(3), 219-253.
Kocsis, R. (2003). Criminal psychology profiling: Validities and abilities. Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 47(2). 126-144.
Otto, R. K., & Heilbrun, K. (2002). The practice of forensic psychology: A look toward the future in light of the past. American Psychologist, 57(1), 5-18.