Assignment:
Biases and Assumptions
The use of forensic psychology continues to provide law enforcement officials with invaluable information pertaining to the profiling and identification of criminal suspects. However, the field has matured considerably from its nascent stages. After reading the introduction and Chapter 1 in the Bartol & Bartol text in addition to the Snook, Cullen, Bennell, Taylor, & Gendreau (2008) and Kocsis (2003) articles, examine the various changes that have occurred over the years within the field of forensic psychology. In addition, analyze the current educational and training models available in forensic psychology as outlined in Chapter 1 of the Bartol & Bartol text.
Provide answers to the following questions:
- In what ways has forensic science grown as a discipline?
- What future changes are predicted for the field?
- What current educational and training models are available for students interested in working in the field?
Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length.
Required Resources
Text
Bartol A., & Bartol C. (2019). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (5th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Articles
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.
The full-text version of this article can be accessed through the SAGE Journals Online database in the University of Arizona Global Campus Library. The authors provide background into the foundations of criminal profiling and the theories upon which much of the field is based.
This article will provide additional information that will assist you in the development of your discussion posts for this week.
Kocsis, R. (2003). Criminal psychology profiling: Validities and abilities. Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 47(2), 126-144.
The full-text version of this article can be accessed through the SAGE Journals Online database in the University of Arizona Global Campus Library. This article is about issues relevant to the validity of forensic psychological profiling as well as the ability of profilers placed in charge of such endeavors is discussed in depth. This article will provide additional information that will assist you in the development of your discussion posts for this week.