PY0658 - Applied Forensic Psychology

You will attend weekly interactive lecture sessions that will provide the framework for the development of understanding based on wider reading. These will be supported by discussion seminars led by invited guest speakers, and directed and independent learning. Videos will also be used to provide examples related to the topics covered and to generate discussion around how scientific information is communicated to and understood by the general public, with a particular focus on suspects and criminals.

The module tutor will support you by making a variety of resources linked to the lectures and assessments available on the e-learning portal (e.g. PowerPoint slides, lectures handouts) along with links to resources to encourage further exploration of specific research topics. A discussion board on the e-learning portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to the module tutor. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of Panopto recording software, online submission and marking of the summative assessment.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1 You will be expected to demonstrate critical understanding of a range of applications in forensic psychology by sourcing, critiquing and reviewing a range of peer reviewed research publications
• MK2 You will be expected to demonstrate a critical understanding of how evidence can be applied to construct and evaluate arguments, and reason scientifically on psychological issues.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1 You will build employability through demonstration of critical appreciation of academic knowledge applied in the real world through evaluation of alternate solutions to problems and show awareness of ethical principles and considerations in the application of forensic psychology
• MIP2 You will be able to understand the role of the module in enhancing your employability skills and its role in career development in your psychology pathway.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1 You will value research skills to contribute to knowledge generation and dissemination to diverse audiences and so reinforce your Northumbria Psychology Graduate Attributes.

Formative Assessment will be made through discussion based tasks where you will consider questions relating to the communication of science to academic, judicial, social policy and general public populations (MK1, MK2, MIP1, MIP2)

Summative Assessment
Will be through 1) An assignment (3500 words) that requires communication of sourced scientific information to two different audiences: a) A professional (but not forensic psychology expert), and b) the general public (MK1, MK2, MIP1, MPV1). This will be worth 90% of the module mark.

2) The second assessment is a self-reflective account in which you will be asked to consider how this module has impacted on your employability and future career (MIP2). This will be worth 10% of the module mark (500 words)

Formative Feedback
Verbal group formative feedback will be provided during and following these discussions.

Summative Feedback
Individual written feedback will be provided on the electronic submission of assessment one. As a minimum, these will identify a strength, a weakness and an area for improvement.

You will be required to arrange a tutorial with your Personal Guidance Tutor for formal feedback on your reflection.

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This module focusses on how research in forensic psychology has been applied in practice. Questions such as ‘Can we take eye witness testimony at face value?’ ‘What sort of interviewing techniques provide the most reliable evidence?’ and ‘How can offenders be profiled?’ will be researched and discussed. These questions will be approached from an applied perspective with a focus on published research and its impact on professional practice. Discussions will examine the contribution made by forensic psychology research to the criminal justice system and cultural beliefs/practices. Your assessments will require you to provide a written communication of sourced scientific information to two different audiences and to give a reflective review of how the module fits into the pathway you are working toward and how it has impacted on your employability and career.