Module: FPS5001-20 The Psychology of Criminal Investigations

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Kate Muir

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.muir@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module is concerned with the application of psychological theory and research to issues arising in legal contexts. Investigative Psychology is concerned with working within the criminal justice system (e.g., with the police) and draw upon related psychological disciplines such as cognitive, social, clinical or developmental psychology. You will learn about research and practice using real world examples and the benefits of using a wide range of information sources. Students will debate the various theoretical approaches and you will learn about the recent developments in eyewitness testimony and investigative interviewing (e.g., lie detection, cognitive interview, confession management, police line-ups, or working with children). Topics are approached using contemporary theory/ research and where appropriate an historical contextualisation will be provided.

2.Outline syllabus:

The syllabus will cover topics including: Introduction and history; Attention and perception; Human memory; Face recognition; False Memories; Police line-ups; Interviewing witnesses and victims; Interviewing suspects; False confessions; Lie detection; Credibility assessment; Children and the court; Victims of crime; Research in crime and criminal justice; Working in criminal justice. Topics are explored critically (to develop critical graduates) with a focus on ethics (to develop ethically aware graduates). You are encouraged to gain relevant placement experience (to develop employable graduates) and to take part in international opportunities (to develop internationally networked graduates).

3.Teaching and learning activities:

The module will consist of a weekly 3 hour combined lecture and seminar session, and a weekly 1-hour tutorial session. The combined lecture and seminar will introduce you to the core topics and provide a framework to the module, and involve tutor and student led discussions and activities. These will be supported by the tutorials which are flexible sessions designed to support assessment preparation.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Popular science article on the reliability of eyewitness testimony (2000 word).

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Expert report to court (2000 word)

• % Weighting: 50%