This module covers a range of theoretical and applied topics regarding investigative and judicial processes. For example, psychological principles may be applied to investigative approaches to interviewing, detecting deception, bearing false witness, offender profiling, case linkage, eyewitness memory, jury behaviour and decision-making, examining the state of mind and assessment, and expert psychological testimony (ethics, code of practice, report writing and practice). By taking this approach you develop a critical understanding of pertinent stages in the investigative process where psychology may be used to improve interviewing strategies, as in the employment of the cognitive interview to assist in the improvement of witnesses' memory recall. This course then develops upon the investigative knowledge base provided by encouraging you to identify areas within the courtroom process where psychological techniques could be utilised. Thus, you are taken on an analytical and evaluative journey of the key criminal justice processes of the investigation and presentation of evidence in cases.
The teaching for this module comprises 22x 2 hour lectures over teaching blocks 1 and 2 and guided independent study. Lectures will include an overview and introduction to the English legal system and sources of law, and will prepare students for the remaining materials. Each lecture will consist of an introduction to the particular topic followed by an interactive session to enable students to consolidate and discuss the information delivered. Students will also have the opportunity to continue to consolidate their learning through further guided independent study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Interactive lectures | 44 |
| Guided independent study | 256 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module will be assessed by two summative assessments, an essay and an expert report. These are designed to enable students to develop critical appraisal skills and knowledge in the legal and investigative domain of forensic psychology and will provide evidence of the students' understanding and progress throughout the module.
Additionally, formative assessments are used to monitor students' engagement with the topics covered and facilitate the provision of feedback in order to feed forward and enhance students' learning experience. Such in-class activities provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their emergent skills. The summative assessment types are outlined below.
The summative assessment will take the form of two separate elements:
1) A 3000 word critical essay (50%) which will allow students to demonstrate their critical knowledge of psychological perspectives and their application to investigative processes. Students will submit this critical essay at the end of teaching block 1.
2) A 3000 word expert report (50%) which will examine students' ability to apply psychological theory to investigative techniques. Students will submit their expert report at the end of teaching block 2.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate critical knowledge of the major concepts and debates in the legal and investigative domains of forensic psychology | 3000 word Critical Essay (summative) Class-Based Discussion and Case Study Analysis (formative) |
| Critically evaluate research within the investigative domain of forensic psychology | 3000 word Critical Essay (summative) Class-Based Discussion, Case Study Analysis and Court Room Observation Task (formative) |
| Understand legal processes within the criminal justice system | 3000 word Critical Essay (summative) 3000 word Expert Report (summative |
| Demonstrate reflective, analytical and observational skills | 3000 word Critical Essay (summative) 3000 word Expert Report (summative |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay 3000 words | 50 |
| Coursework | Report 3000 words | 50 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Bartol, C. R., &Bartol, A. M. (2014). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application. London: Sage.
Bull, R., Valentine, T. & Williamson, T. (Eds.) (2009) Handbook of psychology of investigative interviewing: current developments and future directions. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Canter., D &Youngs, D. (2009). Investigative Psychology: Offender profiling and the analysis of criminal action. London: John Wiley & Sons.
Gudjonsson, G. H. (2003). The psychology of interrogations and confessions: a handbook. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Kapardis (2010). Psychology and law: a critical introduction (3rd edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Memon, A., Vrij, A. and Bull, R. (2003). Psychology and law: truthfulness, accuracy and credibility (2nd edition). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towl, G. J. &Crighton, D. A. (2010). Forensic psychology. Chichester: BPS Blackwell.
Canter, D., &Youngs, D. (2012). Narratives of criminal action and forensic psychology. Legal and Criminal Psychology, 17, 262 – 275.
Kassin, S.M., Appelby, S.C., &Perillo, J.T. (2010). Interviewing suspects: Practice, science and future directions. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 15, 39-55.
Tonkin, M., Woodhams, J., Bull, R., Bond, J.W., Palmer, E.J. (2011). Linking different types of crime using geographical and temporal proximity. CriminalJustice & Behaviour, 11, 1069-1088.