This module concerns the application of psychological theory and research to issues in criminal justice. We will consider psychological research and application in areas such as offender profiling and investigative psychology, detecting deception, confessions and false confessions, jury decision making, and eyewitness testimony. Recent psychological findings will be emphasised. Students will be encouraged to take a critical approach to assessing the validity of theories and applications. Students should gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of psychology's contributions to criminal justice.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BSc (Hons) Social Sciences
BA (Hons) Criminal Justice and Criminology
Essay 2,000 words 32.5%
Seminar Presentation 17.5%
Examination 2 hours 50%
Reassessment methods: This module will be reassessed by 100% coursework.
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Bartol, C. and Bartol, A. (2015). Introduction to Forensic Psychology (4th Ed.). London: Sage.
Howitt, D. (2015). Introduction to forensic and criminal psychology (5th Ed.). Harlow: Pearson.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Apply theories and research findings from mainstream areas of psychology to issues and problems in criminal justice
8.2 Understand specific areas and topics within the discipline of forensic psychology and how they relate to each other
8.3 Take a critical approach in assessing the validity of psychological theories, research and applications.
8.4 Demonstrate an understanding of the potential and limitations of psychology's contributions to criminal justice.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Show progress in locating specialised primary-source journal articles in relevant subject areas using electronic journals and the internet
9.2 Demonstrate an ability to apply theories and research findings to specific social issues and problems
9.3 Organise and communicate information in a clear and coherent manner through essays and seminar-based group discussions or presentations
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