Help Forensic Psychology Professionals Research I

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Help Forensic Psychology Professionals Research I

Week 8 Discussion – Research in Clinical Forensic Settings

The provision of clinical services in forensic settings is, in some ways, very similar to non-forensic settings. However, forensic populations may provide challenges not typically seen in other settings. One challenge in many forensic clinical settings is the prediction of future behavior. In many cases, the behavior of interest is violence. Violence, like many behaviors that are rare, is, at best, difficult to predict. Much research has been conducted on the various methods used to predict future violence. From actuarial risk measures to clinical intuition, forensic psychology researchers have debated the best way to assess the potential for violent acts.

Other psychological issues found in clinical forensic settings and that trigger research questions include the development of treatment programs to restore an individual’s competency to stand trial, the treatment of the criminally insane, sex offender assessment and treatment, and even the general evaluation of the need for long-term placement. Research can help forensic psychology professionals make important decisions in these and other related areas.

To prepare for this Discussion:

  • Review the DVD video, “Application of Psychological Research – Clinical Settings.” Consider the areas of forensic psychology research that are relevant to forensic clinical settings. (uploaded)
  • Review the article, “ Actuarial Versus Clinical Assessments of Dangerousness,” in this week’s Learning Resources. (uploaded)
  • Pay particular attention to the studies discussed in the article and the key “takeaways” from these studies. Think about how a forensic psychology professional might use the findings of the studies in a forensic clinical setting.
  • Using the Library or scholar search engine to select and review another peer-reviewed study, current or historical, that was conducted in a forensic clinical setting.
  • Again, focus on the key “takeaways” of the study you selected and think about how the findings might be used by a forensic psychology professional in forensic clinical settings.

With these thoughts in mind:

In APA formatting:

1) write a brief summary of the study you selected,
2) be sure to include the key findings and any other important “takeaways” of the study.
3) then, explain how a forensic psychology professional might use the findings in this or another clinical forensic setting.

Attached resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Understanding forensic psychology research: Application of psychological research – Clinical settings. Baltimore: Author.
Litwack, T. R. (2001). Actuarial versus clinical assessments of dangerousness. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 7(2), 409-443.