Module: PSY5100-20 Forensic and Investigative Psychology

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Rui Paulo

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.paulo@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. Forensic and Investigative Psychology are 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. These are also related to working with prisoners, offenders, victims and witnesses of crime as well as other professionals involved in the judicial and penal systems (e.g., judges or attorneys). You will learn about research and practice using real world examples and the benefits of using a wide range of information sources. You will debate the various theoretical approaches and learn about the developments in investigative techniques (e.g., eyewitness testimony, lie detection, cognitive interview, confession management, police lineups, 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 lineups; Interviewing witnesses and victims; Interviewing suspects; False confessions; Lie detection; Credibility assessment; Children and the court; Psychosocial explanations of crime; Eyewitness testimony; Mental illness and crime; 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). Students 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 two 1 hour weekly lectures and a 2 hour weekly seminar or practical class. Lectures will introduce the core topics and provide a framework to the module. These will be supported by seminars which will be a mix of tutor and student led discussions, practical work and presentations. These flexible sessions will allow in-depth exploration of the topics introduced in the lectures, further discussion and the opportunity to gain experience and develop materials for the assessments.

The assessments (see below for further details) will allow you to develop your skills in understanding and evaluating topic relevant research, and allow you to gain an understanding of critical appraisal of topic relevant research.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: 2500 word case-report

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: 2 hour unseen examination

• % Weighting: 50%