Discussion: Psychological Research And Public Policy/Law
To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review the article, "Washington's Sexually Violent Predator Law:Legislative History and Comparisons With Other States." Think about how historical and forensic psychological research contributes to the establishment of law and policy.
• Review the article, "Stalking: Lessons From Recent Research." Pay particular attention to how research is used to influence community action and thereby affect public policy.
• Review the article, "Sexually Violent Predator Evaluations: Empirical Evidence, Strategies for Professionals, and Research Directions." Consider how the findings described in this article might be helpful in influencing or setting public policy.
• Using the Walden Library, identify and review a psychological research study that you believe has influenced a change in public policy or law.
• Reflect upon the population studied, the key data and results, and other important takeaways of the research study.
• Think about how this research study might influence public policy and/or law in forensics or in forensic settings.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post a brief summary of the research study you selected. Be sure to include the population studied, key data and results, and other important takeaways of the article. Then, explain how a forensic psychology professional might use the results of the study to influence public policy and/or law in forensics or in forensic settings.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Learning Resources
Readings
• Speech: Travis, J. (1999, April). Stalking: Lessons from recent research. Address presented at the National Center for Women and Policing Conference, Orlando, FL.
• Article: Miller, H. A, Amenta, A. E., & Conroy, M. A. (2005). Sexually violent predator evaluations: Empirical evidence, strategies for professionals, and research directions. Law and Human Behavior, 29(1), 29-54. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
• Article: Lieb, R. (1996). Washington's sexually violent predator law: Legislative history and comparisons with other states.
• Article: The National Center for Victims of Crimes. (2007). Model stalking code revisited: Response to the new realities of stalking.
• Article: National Center for Victims of Crime. (n.d.). Stalking laws.
• Article: Wakefield, H., & Underwager, R. (1998). Assessing violent recidivism in sexual offenders. Issues in Child Abuse Accusations, 10.