...Criminal Profiling: The Public Face of Forensic Psychology Jason Evans Brandman University Table of contents Abstract 3 Introduction 4 Literature review 4 Discussion 7 Personal interest in the topic 10 References 11 Abstract The utilisation of psychological concepts has been extended in many fields in seeking to enhance understanding of human behaviours. Forensic psychology is one of the various psychological filed which have developed out of the necessity to apply psychology in different fields. This article discusses the element of forensic psychology in relation to the various issues arising within the field. A discussion of the various issues highlights ethical aspects as the main causes of many challenges faced in the field. The complexity of the setting under which the psychological practice is conducted makes the topic become one of the interesting psychological segments that can be studied. Introduction Forensic psychology can be defined as the utilisation of psychological concepts, skills, and insights in seeking to enhance the understanding of various elements of legal and criminal justice systems. Within the context of the subject various psychological and legal aspects become combined in seeking to understand the functioning and operations of criminal systems (Davies & Beech, 2012). This approach to criminal justice involves various activities involved in the delivery of justice, ranging from the enforcement to treatment of suspects...
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...SUMMARY * Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. * The field of abnormal psychology identifies multiple causes for different conditions, employing diverse theories from the general field of psychology and elsewhere, and much still hinges on what exactly is meant by "abnormal". * There has traditionally been a divide between psychological and biological explanations, reflecting a philosophical dualism in regards to the mind body problem. * There have also been different approaches in trying to classify mental disorders. * Abnormal includes three different categories, they are: * subnormal * supernormal * paranormal * The science of abnormal psychology studies two types of behaviors: * Adaptive behavior * Maladaptive behavior * Clinical psychology is the applied field of psychology that seeks to assess, understand and treat psychological conditions in clinical practice. * The theoretical field known as 'abnormal psychology' may form a backdrop to such work, but clinical psychologists in the current field are unlikely to use the term 'abnormal' in reference to their practice. * Psychopathology is a similar term to abnormal psychology but has more of an implication of an underlying pathology, and as such is a term more commonly used in the medical specialty...
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...Legal Aspects of Professional Psychology “Professional psychologists study mental processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people and other animals relate to one another and the environment.” The psychologists express theories that have possible explanations and concentrate on an individual behavior that influence a person’s action where understanding and explaining thoughts, emotions, feelings and or behavior is in attention. However there is a legal aspect of professional psychology that is the most important part in professional practice. “Legal aspects of professional psychology cover abroad spectrum of any application of psychological ethics, and ways of understanding legal issues and questions. Additionally to the practical practices, legal aspects of psychology also include empirical or academic research on topics concerning the relationships of government laws and regulations to human behavior and mental processes”(Roger Rivera, “Legal Aspects Of Professional Psychology”). Legal issues related to informed consent and refusal Most important factor of legal issue in professional phycology is the informed consent of the client, where the doctor gets consent of the client for performing tests and medical treatments including records of the patients. It is the psychologist’s duty to offer and explain services, and if the patients have no ability for opinion, take consent from the person who has the legal power to do on behalf of the...
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...School of Psychology 2013 Paper Outline Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences PSYC573-13A (HAM) Personnel Training & Development Lecture times/rooms: Thursdays, 09:00am – 10:50am. Room I1.08. Lecturer/Convenor: Donald Cable, Room K1.01. Extn: 8296. Email: dcable@waikato.ac.nz Student consultation hours: Thursdays 14:00-15:00. Other times by appointment. Paper Description The aim of this paper is for you to develop an understanding of the theory, research, and practice relating to training and development (including career development) in organizations. Upon successfully completing this course, you should be able to: understand, and apply personnel training and development psychology theory and research, and bridge the gap between this and the practice, conduct training needs analyses and evaluate training and development (including career and professional development) initiatives, identify or develop training programs which incorporate sound principles of learning and training transfer, identify and develop the competencies that will support you in pursuing a career as an organizational psychology (or HR) practitioner with a focus on the training and development of individuals in organizations. Blending the exploratory learning aspect of Active Learning with proceduralized instruction, and creating a learning environment within which students are actively encouraged to construct knowledge, this paper includes lectures with associated readings, student seminars...
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...Cognitive Personality Approach Introduction Psychology definition is the study of the human mind and human behaviors. It is an theoretical discipline and is applied science in which seeks the understanding of individuals and groups by establishing overall principles, along with researching specific form of cases. There are many different approaches to psychology such as humanist, behavioral, and cognitive. One must understand the cognitive approach before truly understand the cognitive personality approach. Cognitive psychology “is the scientific investigation of human cognition, that is, all our mental abilities – perceiving, learning, remembering, thinking, reasoning, and understanding”(Lu & Dosher, 2007, p. 1). As the term ‘cognition’ comes from the Latin word “cognoscere”. Cognitive psychology is the study in which how people obtain and apply knowledge or information to their everyday lives. It is a modern form that includes a set of new technologies in the field of psychological science. The study of human cognitive is traced back to Aristotle De Memoria in Hothersall in 1984. The overall concept of cognitive psychology began with the cognitive approaches to psychological issues in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s with the work of Wundt, Cattell, and William James. It claimed the first half of the approach during the 20th century with the behaviorism approach in cognitive psychology. Within this dissertation it will be covering different aspects of cognitive personality...
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...GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (SOC SCI 101) 5 JOURNALS OF PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY | > the science seeking to describe, understand, and predict the behavior and mental processes of organisms. > the goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY * Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. * Although many behaviors could be considered as abnormal, this branch of psychology generally deals with behavior in a clinical context. * There is a long history of attempts to understand and control behavior deemed to be aberrant or deviant (statistically, morally or in some other sense), and there is often cultural variation in the approach taken. * The field of abnormal psychology identifies multiple causes for different conditions, employing diverse theories from the general field of psychology and elsewhere, and much still hinges on what exactly is meant by "abnormal". * There has traditionally been a divide between psychological and biological explanations, reflecting a philosophical dualism in regards to the mind body problem. * There have also been different approaches in trying to classify mental disorders. * Abnormal includes three different categories, they are: * subnormal * supernormal * paranormal * The science...
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...Applying Organizational Psychology April 28, 2014 Applying Organizational Psychology The purpose of this paper is to describe how the principles of organizational psychology can be applied to organizational recruitment and socialization. The author will discuss the recruitment process from an organizational and applicant perspective. The author will describe how the principles of organizational psychology can be used in the recruitment process. The author will describe the concept of organizational socialization. Lastly, the author will explain how the principles of organizational psychology can be applied to organizational socialization. Recruitment Process from an Organizational and Applicant Perspective During the recruitment process an organizations goal is to gather enough qualified candidates so that they can see who best fits their business, will be a productive employee, and have longevity at the company (Jex & Britt, 2008). The recruitment process is not closely related to organizational psychology, as much as it is to socialization. This is because a successful recruitment process will result in employees being more socialized, and fitting in with the culture of the company (Jex & Britt, 2008). During the recruitment process candidates are not randomly selected, but instead there is planning to it and candidates are picked based upon a strategic planning. Candidates are chosen based upon several factors, which are how...
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...SHRM FOUNDATION’S EFFECTIVE PRACTICE GUIDELINES Selection Assessment Methods A guide to implementing formal assessments to build a high-quality workforce Elaine D. Pulakos SHRM FOUNDATION’S EFFECTIVE PRACTICE GUIDELINES Selection Assessment Methods A guide to implementing formal assessments to build a high-quality workforce Elaine D. Pulakos This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. Neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in rendering legal or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent, licensed professional should be sought. Any federal and state laws discussed in this book are subject to frequent revision and interpretation by amendments or judicial revisions that may significantly affect employer or employee rights and obligations. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel regarding specific policies and practices in their organizations. This book is published by the SHRM Foundation, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM©). The interpretations, conclusions and recommendations in this book are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the SHRM Foundation. ©2005 SHRM Foundation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. This publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in whole or in part, in...
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...Statement of Area Psychology is a vast field with several areas to focus on or specialize in as one grows and develops throughout his or her psychological career. One of the most popular fields of psychology is clinical psychology. Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric problems. This field integrates the science of psychology with the treatment of complex human problems, making it an exciting career choice for people who are looking for a challenging and rewarding field. Within this field, there are many specializations, and those who achieve their Ph. D (Doctor of Philosophy) or Psy. D (Doctor of Psychology) can choose from several career options. Many work in hospitals, schools, government jobs, and private practices. Those who achieve a Ph. D in clinical psychology have chosen the most flexible option of the two. A Ph. D in clinical psychology is both scientifically and behaviorally focused allowing those who finish the program can work in clinical, research or educational settings. Whereas, those with Psy. D have completed coursework that is more specifically geared towards counseling in mental health settings. Clinical psychologists often have to diagnose and assess people with mental disorders. There are different tracks within clinical psychology that one can choose to specialize in, such as adult clinical psychology or child clinical psychology. With a specialization...
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...Organizational psychology is just one of the many practice areas of the much larger domain, psychology. Both organizational psychology and its overarching study, psychology are rooted in science and use scientific data to help them find, diagnose and fix problems. Although both organizational psychology and general psychology diagnose and solve problems, their practice areas and methodologies are very different. General psychology focuses on psychological disorders and helping individuals in their personal lives. Organizational psychologists are not trained to diagnose psychological disorders. Organizational psychologists focus their attention on individuals as a larger group, generally found in the workplace. The objective of an organizational psychologist’s work is usually to help an organization become more effective. Just as organizational psychology is a subfield of psychology, it is also a subfield of the broader field of industrial-organizational psychology, or I/O psychology. According to “Industrial and Organizational Psychology” (2014), “Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychology is both the study of behavior in organizational work settings and the application of the methods, facts, and principles of psychology to individuals and groups in organizational and work settings” (para. 1). I/O psychology combines two major divisions: industrial psychology and organizational psychology (Huelsman, 2008). Industrial psychology could be considered psychology for human resources...
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...History of Psychological Assessment XXXXXXXXXX PSYCH/525 August 29, 2011 Dr. Alexis Hernandez History of Psychological Assessment The history of psychological assessment is a fascinating story and has abundant relevance to present-day practices. Psychological assessment refers to scientific techniques psychologists often use to identify the human personality. Psychological assessment is a process that involves the integration of information from multiple sources, such as tests of normal and abnormal personality, tests of ability or intelligence, tests of interests or outlooks, as well as information from interviews (Framingham, J. 2011). Psychological assessment is one of the most important parts in applied psychology. In this paper writer will explore the historical roots of psychological assessment, explain why the event is significant, and how it has affected the development of psychological testing in the 21st century. Psychological Testing is the core of Clinical Psychology focusing on the measurement of traits, human abilities, and characteristics. Psychologists primarily use the various tests to measure cognitive, intelligence, and personality traits (Framingham, J. 2011). For example, the civil service selection system in China is used to recruit officials according to merits rather than political or family association. Exams were introduced in the Han dynasty. This played a very important role in Chinese intellectual and social life from as early as 2200 B...
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...Running head: CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY Cross-Cultural Psychology Charlene Marasco PSY/450 Sally Fleming March 28, 2011 Cross-cultural psychology Cultural psychology is an interdisciplinary program of research that explores the relationship between individual minds and the complex environments in which they are deployed. The approach focuses on the contribution that content-rich, complex environments – ranging from workplaces to cultural traditions to nation states – make in shaping basic cognitive processes. The comparative approach, or cross-cultural approach, uses experimental methods to compare and contrast groups in their performance on a range of psychological tasks with the objective of demonstrating cultural difference and commonality on some psychological aspect in the lab and field (Cultural Psychology., n.d). Cross-cultural psychology Cross-cultural psychology is a comparative study of cultural effects on human psychology, from different cultural groups, which looks at the psychological diversity and the underlying reasons for such diversity. Meaning how people in groups relate to the environment and the world around them, like feelings, thoughts, how and where they live, and how cultural groups at one point interact with another group. Cultural psychology is contributing significant insights into higher-order...
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...Applying Organizational Psychology Rebecca Rafferty PSYCH/570 Dr. Moore November 4, 2013 Applying Organizational Psychology When we as individuals begin searching for employment within any organization or company the application of organizational psychology is initiated. This process can be both demanding and overwhelming for not only the individual but companies as well. For any person seeking employment they are often looking for the best company that will fulfill their needs and the same applies to the organization. Companies are searching for the right individual to fit the position within the organization. Starting with the recruitment and hiring process, to the first day of work the principles of organizational psychology are important within any organization. The purpose of this paper is to assess the recruitment process from the perspectives of both an organization and applicant, explain how the principles of organizational psychology can be used in the recruitment process, discuss the concept of organizational socialization and examine how the principles of organizational psychology can be applied to organizational socialization. The Recruitment Process Organizational Perspective The concept behind the recruitment process is to assemble a sizeable group of qualified applicants for a potential job. This process allows an organization to evaluate which potential applicants will be the best fit for the company, has the most potential to become successful within...
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...The legal aspects of professional psychology covers a large area; such as assessments, HIPPA, confidentiality, testing, written consent, competence, and diagnosing. It is a large part of the psychology that most struggle with just to make sure that they do not break any laws and at the same time, giving the right treatment to every patient. The clinicians and patients have guidelines set forth according to the American Psychological Association (APA) that protects both parties from unethical and legal decisions. In this paper, the importance of informed consent and refusal, the legal issues within assessments, testing, and diagnosis, confidentiality in the therapeutic relationship, the impact of legislation and the role of competence in professional psychology will be discussed in detail. Legal Issues Related to Informed Consent and Refusal The informed consent is the agreement between two parties to work collaboratively (Pope & Vasquez, 2007). In psychology, the client signs the consent form to allow treatment from the psychologist who may include testing, treatment, and initial psychological assessment. The patients have the right to their information; in terms of benefits, alternative treatments and about the risks. If the patient does not understand what he or she is giving permission to, he or she can allow an authorized decision-maker. The law requires that all persons take reasonable steps to clarify and communicate adequately with their patients about their risks and...
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...EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY: A DEFINITION AND KEY CONCEPTS It seems too simple to say that educational psychology is the psychology of learning and teaching, and yet a majority of educational psychologists spend their time studying ways to describe and improve learning and teaching. After reviewing the historical literature in educational psychology, Glover and Ronning (1987, p. 14) suggested that educational psychology includes topics that span human development, individual differences, measurement, learning, and motivation and is both a data-driven and a theory-driven discipline. Thus, our definition of educational psychology is the application of psychology and psychological methods to the study of development, learning, motivation, instruction, assessment, and related issues that influence the interaction of teaching and learning. This definition is broad because the potential applications of educational psychology to the learning process are immense! Today educational psychology is a vital discipline that is contributing to the education of teachers and learners. For example, Jerome Bruner, an enduring figure in educational psychology, recently noted the need to rethink our ideas of development, teaching, and learning and the interactions among them. Specifically, Bruner (1996) urged educators and psychologists to see children as thinkers, and stated: No less than the adult, the child is thought of as holding more or less coherent "theories" not only about the world but about...
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