Psychology is a field of science that has its application in every phase of human life. Psychology has many broad concepts in a theoretical framework. Psychological research and experimentation have strong ties with the profession of forensic psychology. My interest to dive into the investigative process came from the criminal mind program that I used to watch. The remarkable ability of psychological experts to decode the psychic behavior and personality disorder of the criminal. The assessment, investigation, and justification with the help of evidence are the beauty of the profession. I choose Forensic psychology as my profession. Forensic psychologists are skillful, and they apply various approaches to interpreters to spill about their offenses. Psychology runs in synchronization with forensics. Many theories are available that help to investigate and resolve criminal cases, and unleash the mindset of the suspect. The four concepts that are going to be part of my project would be:
- Psychological research
- Cognitive psychology
- Clinical psychology
- social psychology
Psychological research
Psychologist work on human behavior and the underlying mental and body process that results in violent acts or illegal acts. The role of scientific research aids in support of the evidence that would solve the crime. Scientific knowledge is empirical and based on tangible evidence that can analyze over and over again.
A person’s behavior is observable, but the mind is not. For instance, if a person is suspected of murder, he/ she might not tell the truth about it. And he might hide it. So the responsibility of the psychologist here is to assess the behavior of the suspect. Read the body language and devise an approach to pinpoint those loops. A forensic psychologist has scientific tools such as a polygraph that can measure the heart rate and blood pressure. This device can precisely tell a lie or truth that a suspect is speaking.
Likewise, criminal profiling has a direct link to criminal psychology and psychology research. The choice of an appropriate approach can help in the deduction of results from empirical evidence based on scientific research. The forensic psychologist builds the criminal profile with the law investigators by analyzing of personality, and the behavior of the criminal. Psychologist takes notice of the action of the suspect in every situation whether it is consistent or not. (Liebbe, J, 2012)
Psychologist sometimes takes archival research help. They check out for the record for analyzing the particular behavior of the individual under study.
Cognitive psychology
Cognition is the aspect of consciousness and explains a lot about the thinking of people. Forensic psychologist mainly focuses on the interaction of the mind and behavior of the suspect. Forensic psychotherapy involves the use of cognitive theory. This theory includes the elements of impulsiveness and intelligence of the criminal personality. The focus of the psychologist would be the evaluation of personality traits behind the criminal offense.
Criminality is linked with personal behavior. Low IQ People are more prone to criminal offenses, and there is a negative relationship between intelligence and criminality. The other predictor of crime is impulsiveness. The response of action without thinking is the active predictor for categorizing the individual into suspects. Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes. I say that the choice of a person that he makes is an indication of his criminal tendencies. Flaws In the thinking process of the individual such as poor thinking lead to criminal behavior. (Marsh, I, 2011)
Clinical psychology
A clinical psychologist who works as a forensic clinical psychologist must be a critical thinker to use verified approaches and testing methods based on scientific research to support the evidence. The addition of testimony in the court is the primary responsibility of the psychologist he would testify in the court about the defendant’s behavior and state of mind. He would present the evaluation based on psychological approaches to the mindset at the time of the offense and would link his testimony with the legal code of conduct. (Openstax college, 2014)
Social psychology
Refers to the socially influencing risk factors that polish the behavior and personality of the individual. It operates both at the interpersonal and intra-personal levels. A forensic psychologist will assess the suspect’s mindset that how he interprets the situation and how it influences his behavior. The effect of situational variables is directly linked to the probability of crime.
The significant risk factors for the criminality are antisocial behavior at onset at an early age, impulsive behavior, antisocial beliefs, association with criminal groups, poor parental guidance or abusive childhood, poor education, poor lifestyle or lack of recreation, and drug usage.
A psychologist will take the help of the social psychological theory to assess the environmental influence on criminal behavior. He will devise a strategy for strengthening interpersonal relationship growth with the suspect and also work on the preventive measures to eradicate the social variables in assisting the criminal behavior (Day, M.D & Marion, B.S)
I studied psychology and its various disciplines such as clinical, counseling, social psychology, and Cognitive field which developed my mind to mix it with science. Forensic psychology is an advanced field that has a broad horizon. Forensics being the applied science for justice helps to maintain justice and equality in society and psychology is the internal framework that enabled me to investigate the suspect mind-body and gestures. Forensic psychology makes me more competitive professionally because it provides me with the opportunity to testify in court and cross-examines the assessment publicly. It encompasses law, research, investigation, critical thinking, knowledge skills, and competency. The only thing you need is a complete degree and enough training for case resolution.
References
Day, M.D & Marion, B.S. (n.d.). Applying Social Psychology to the Criminal Justice System. In M. &. Day, APPLYING SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY TO ARENAS OF LIF.
Liebbe, J. (2012, April). Criminal Profiling in Forensic Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.aequitasgroup.org: http://www.aequitasgroup.org/research/2012/04/criminal-profiling-in-forensic-psychology/
Marsh, I. (2011). Psychological Explanations for Criminal Behaviors: Chapter 3. In I. Marsh, Theories of crime.
Openstax college. (2014). Psychology. Texas: Rice University.
