My area of interest is Forensic Psychology. Forensic Psychology is described as “the professional practice by psychologists within the areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, [and] school psychology…engaged as experts…in an activity primarily intend to provide professional psychological expertise to the judicial system” (Cherry, 2015). This field involves being knowledgeable to legal issues and legal codes and having the ability to translate them into psychological concepts. Persons in this field do not necessarily have to obtain a degree in forensic psychology, in fact many persons in this field have degrees in clinical, counseling or experimental psychology. In Addition to legal issues and regulations, Forensic Psychologist must
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Travis Hirschi divided the social control theory into four categories to describe how a person interacts with society: attachment, commitment, involvement and belief. Depending on how a person is bonded to society may determine the likelihood of them committing a crime or how they operate mentally (Sara, 2011). This can be helpful when evaluating the mental competency of juveniles or criminals. A person’s conscious can be the determining factor of whether or not they would be willing to commit criminal acts, whether or not they are fit to have custody of their child, or if a person is likely to partake in abuse. “In order for an individual to develop a conscious, it is critical that they form positive attachments to peers and family” (Sara, …show more content…
Ideally one would enter a Postdoctoral Forensic Psychology Residency to prove adequate practice of Forensic Psychology. Within the Residencies, one would learn to conduct a forensic interview; use and interpret assessment instruments; obtain additional relevant data; integrate results and formulate interpretations relevant to legal questions; and clearly write comprehensive, articulate and appropriately focused reports. The next step would be to get a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in forensics to be knowledgeable in the psychological, legal and science aspects of the field. Once one has received their PhD they can begin interning with professionals in the field such as court rooms or in jails to gain hands on experience. Upon getting intern experience, it is highly encourage to become accredited through the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The COA teaches principles like; the History of Forensic Psychology; Law, Civil and Criminal Procedures, and Juries; Violence Risk Assessment; and Ethical issues within the practice. After receiving accreditation, one would be qualified and competent to perform as a professional Forensic Psychologist. In that, one could serve as an expert in evaluating testimonies, criminal competence, and civil commitment (Council,
Travis Hirschi divided the social control theory into four categories to describe how a person interacts with society: attachment, commitment, involvement and belief. Depending on how a person is bonded to society may determine the likelihood of them committing a crime or how they operate mentally (Sara, 2011). This can be helpful when evaluating the mental competency of juveniles or criminals. A person’s conscious can be the determining factor of whether or not they would be willing to commit criminal acts, whether or not they are fit to have custody of their child, or if a person is likely to partake in abuse. “In order for an individual to develop a conscious, it is critical that they form positive attachments to peers and family” (Sara, …show more content…
Ideally one would enter a Postdoctoral Forensic Psychology Residency to prove adequate practice of Forensic Psychology. Within the Residencies, one would learn to conduct a forensic interview; use and interpret assessment instruments; obtain additional relevant data; integrate results and formulate interpretations relevant to legal questions; and clearly write comprehensive, articulate and appropriately focused reports. The next step would be to get a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in forensics to be knowledgeable in the psychological, legal and science aspects of the field. Once one has received their PhD they can begin interning with professionals in the field such as court rooms or in jails to gain hands on experience. Upon getting intern experience, it is highly encourage to become accredited through the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA). The COA teaches principles like; the History of Forensic Psychology; Law, Civil and Criminal Procedures, and Juries; Violence Risk Assessment; and Ethical issues within the practice. After receiving accreditation, one would be qualified and competent to perform as a professional Forensic Psychologist. In that, one could serve as an expert in evaluating testimonies, criminal competence, and civil commitment (Council,