Assignment task:
Discussing Social Psychology should be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of the course. These topics are fascinating and there's always more research or ideas to consider. Each week (except for the last week of the course) you will be responsible for the following: One discussion question and two replies. Discussion questions are due at Friday at midnight of that week, discussion responses are due Sunday at midnight of that week. | would recommend just posting your question as soon as you have read a PowerPoint and something interesting pops into your mind. Better to complete the question early in the week and then reply later in the week, as you read through other interesting questions. And you don't want to be stuck having to generate a question at midnight on Friday. 1. Discussion Question: Create a post with a discussion question. This can be a short post, just a sentence or three, that poses an interesting question. For example, "Based on the material from this week, what additional research do psychologists need to conduct to continue to understand and reduce racial prejudice?" Or "In addition to business meetings and juries, what are some other situations where we could see group decision-making happening in the real world? And what would potential problems could arise during such a meeting?"
The chapter discusses competency to stand trial (CST) evaluations. CST refers to a defendant's ability to understand legal proceedings and assist in their own defense. If a defendant is psychotic or delusional, they may not understand plea options or be able to help in their defense, making a trial unjust. (Pages 2-3) CST is evaluated using forensic assessment instruments like the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool. Evaluations assess a defendant''s understanding of the legal system, ability to reason, and knowledge of their own case. However, questions asked in evaluations are sometimes arbitrary and reliability between evaluators could be improved. (Pages 10-12, 16, 18) Ten functions are required for competency, like understanding charges and roles of legal parties. Most defendants with severe disorders are still found competent, showing it is a low bar. (Pages 6-7) Malingering competency is difficult to detect, but exams like the Inventory of Legal Knowledge test for it. Characteristics like drug use and psychotic disorders predict incompetency. (Pages 14-15, 20) Defendants found incompetent can sometimes be 'restored to competence" through education and treatment. Around 28% are referred for restoration programs, of which 70% are restored within 6 months. (ques 20, 22) B