Forensic psychology modules PDF

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Summary

This is the modules that first-year forensic psychology students study for the first semester...

Description

FIRST SEMESTER IN FRONSIC PSYCHOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF DERBY

Each semester has 3 modules

 Does psychology Matter? Description of the module Does Psychology Matter take place in the autumn semester on the Kedleston Road Campus and will be delivered using a blended approach. The language of delivery is English. This module aims to introduce students to Psychology as an academic and applied discipline. It will consider the development of the discipline, introduce key debates and issues, and the value of Psychology. The module will impress upon students the need to use evidence to support arguments, to recognise and consider alternative viewpoints and to construct their arguments with care and precision. Furthermore, it will help to promote such key transferable skills as critical thinking, argument construction, and communication which will be of benefit to the student in both their academic studies and future employment The module has two learning outcomes. Learning Outcome One (LO1): Analyse evidence from differing psychological viewpoints to understand complex issues. Learning Outcome Two (LO2): Communicate key arguments relating to differing viewpoints Schedule of work This module will be delivered using a blended approach. Each week there will be a 60minute lecture (live digital session delivered via MS Teams) and a 90-minute workshop

(live campus session) that you must attend at the times and location indicted on your personalised timetable.

Each week there will also be some asynchronous materials

(directed activity or directed reading) for you to engage with you at a time that suites you. We expect this work to be completed to allow you get the most from the live sessions. In the study materials section on course resources, you will find weekly folders that contain a description of what you will be covering that week and all the necessary materials. It also expected you will undertake your own directed study to supplement the resources we have provided. A week-by-week schedule of the topics covered in the synchronous sessions is below.

1 (09)

Date week beginning 27/09

Monday 9:00-10:00 Synchronous Digital Lecture LIVE MS TEAMS Introduction to the module

TBC Synchronous Campus Seminar See Personalised Timetable What matters in psychology?

2 (10)

04/10

Psychological Perspectives 1: Mainstream Psychology

Classic debates in psychology: Do these still matter?

3 (11)

11/10

Psychological Perspectives 2: Critical Psychology

Assessment workshop 1: Introduction to the assignment

4 (12)

18/10

Psychological Perspectives 3: Pop Psychology

Myths and Misconceptions

Session (AC)

Employability Week 5 (14)

01/11

Applying a psychological lens 1: Serial Killers

Assessment workshop 2: Designing posters

6 (15)

08/11

Applying a psychological lens 2: Stress

Assessment preparation 1: The importance of theory

7 (16)

15/11

Applying a psychological lens 3: Loneliness

Assessment preparation 2: The importance of research

8 (17)

22/11

Issues in Psychology 1: Why is psychology so WEIRD?

Contemporary debates in psychology: Does it matter who we study?

9 (18)

29/11

Issues in Psychology 2: Replication Crisis

Contemporary debates in psychology: Does replication matter?

10 (29)

06/12

Perspectives 4: Scientific-Practitioner Perspective

Assessment preparation 3: Effective communication

11 (20)

13/12

Psychological Practice

Applied psychology: Assessment, formulation, intervention

Winter Vacation 12 (24)

10/01

Module Summary

Does Psychology Matter?

Module Assessment Description Does Psychology Matter have one assessment component: 1500-word written coursework (coursework one). The written coursework takes the form of a poster and accompanying summary. The coursework requires you to analyse a complex issue from different psychological viewpoints. Your analysis should draw on relevant psychological theory and research evidence. The assignment requires you to communicate your findings to a specific audience of your choice through the production of a poster and accompanying summary. The poster and summary must be suitable for your identified target audience. Module Assessment Component 1: COURSEWORK Summary of Assessment Method: 1500-word piece of written coursework Weighting: 100 % Assesses Learning Outcomes: 1 and 2

 INTRODUCING PSYCHOLOGY

BIOLOGICAL

AND

SOCIAL

FORENSIC

This module will introduce you to two of the central psychological perspectives relevant to the understanding of both human and criminal behaviour; thus, preparing you for further study into the field of forensic psychology. Specifically, this module will introduce you to the history of psychology and the question of why psychology is important within the criminological arena. The module will also cover both human and criminal behaviour from the first two of the five key paradigms (or psychological fields); biological and socio-environmental. In particular, how these two paradigms have developed since the emergence of modern psychology will be discussed. For example, the following questions will be addressed: 1. How can we understand criminal behaviour from a genetic perspective? 2. How

do

socio-environmental

perspectives

explain

youth

gangs?

To bring the two paradigms to life you will be meeting ‘Bob’ through the medium of video. Bob is a real-life offender with a complex case history. Bob’s characteristics, experiences, and behaviours will be used to show the paradigms work

in

unison

to

make

the

person.

By taking this module, you will be well prepared to discuss human behaviour (both normal and abnormal) from a nature versus nurture perspective and most importantly, you will learn the utility of these perspectives within the Criminal Justice

System.

The module is assessed through a 10-minute Group Poster Presentation and 1000word Essay; each worth 50% of your final grade. In the group poster presentation, you will explore the relevance of biological psychology both in the context of the CJS and with specific reference to Bob, and the essay asks you to complete a casestudy write up covering the social component with specific reference to Bob.

Module Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to demonstrate: 1. Comprehensive and critical knowledge of the historical origins, development, and limitations of biological and social psychology in the content of human behaviour. 2. The ability to select and synthesise appropriate psychological literature in the investigation of biological and social psychology in the context of human individual behaviours 3. A thorough grasp of the fundamental concepts of psychological analysis and explanation, including multiple psychological perspectives, and an ability to apply those concepts to a broad range of topics (including offending behaviours). 4. Communicate ideas by written, oral and visual means in a timely manner. 5. The ability to use information technology effectively and be familiar with a range of relevant applications.

Date

Lectures: Online Times: See Timetable. Biological Psychology Content Topic

w/c 25th 1 Sept.

History of the biological paradigm

2

w/c 2nd October

Biological Bases of Behaviour: Genetics

3

w/c 9th October

Biological Bases of Psychology: Neurons & Neurotransmitters

4

w/c 16th October

Biological Bases of Psychology: Hormones

5

w/c 23rdh October

Description •Controversies in psychology. Science versus ethics. •What is a psychological paradigm? History of the biological paradigm. •How does psychology fit within the Criminal Justice System •What is a gene? Genetics and inheritance •Evolutionary theory and natural selection •Family and twin studies  How does the study of genetics fit within the CJS?  Introduction to the CNS and PNS  What is a neuron? How do neurotransmitters influence our behaviour?  How does the study of neurotransmitters fit within the CJS?  What is a hormone? The endocrine system – Oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone  Oxytocin: The ‘Love’ hormone.  How does the study of hormone fit within the CJS? Self-directed study week

Lecturer/Seminar Leader

Louise Wallace

Louise Wallace

Louise Wallace

Louise Wallace



6

w/c 30th October

CWK1 support: Academic poster guidance

  

Date

How to design and produce a “good” poster for Psychology What are the benefits of academic posters? Discussing the Biological basis of Bob’s behaviour How would we research Bob’s behaviour from a Biological perspective?

Lectures: Online Times: See Timetable. Social Psychology Content Topic

Description 

7

w/c 6th November

History of the Social Paradigm: Leading to social influence



 

8

w/c 13th November

 Social Development and Learning

 

w/c 20th 9 November

Social Perception & Categorisation

1 w/c 27th 0 November

Social Experience and its aftermath

CWK2 support: Writing and essay skills

What is the social paradigm? History of the social paradigm Classical/Operant conditioning, social influence (Asch, Milgram, Moscovici, Zimbardo), Social Representations Theory How does social psychology fit within the CJS Self/Other concepts, Self-Control (plus SelfControl & Social Bond Theories): Developing schemas/scripts, observational learning (Social Learning Theory) Developing attitudes (formation, Theories of Reasoned/Planned Behaviour) Attitudes in context: police representativeness, use of stop/search.

Dr Henry Lennon

Dr Henry Lennon

Impressions and Processing; Attribution Leadership and social processes Attributions in context: prisoner abuse and prison unrest

Dr Henry Lennon



Labelling, Social Identity Theory, close peer relations and social construction Social identity and diversity in context: hate crime.

Dr Henry Lennon

Effective study skills and maximizing your grades How to write an academic essay in psychology Identifying the social bases of Bobs behaviour

Dr Henry Lennon



 

th

1 w/c 11 2 December

Lecturer/Seminar Leader

  

 th 1 w/c 4 1 December

Louise Wallace

Assessment support & Q&A

Seminars and Workshops Schedule

Louise Wallace and Dr Henry Lennon

Date

Location: On Campus (See Timetable) Biological Psychology Workshop

Held by:

‘While my thoughts are busy hatching, if only I had a brain…’ Exploration of the human brain

Louise Wallace

1

Fri 30th September

2

Fri 6th October

‘Oh, she’s a killer *gene*…’ MAOA and violent behaviours

Louise Wallace

3

Fri 13th October

‘He’s the one they call Dr Feelgood…’ Drugs, brains, and behaviour

Louise Wallace

4

Fri 20th October

‘Eve you wicked women, you done put your curse on me…’ “My period made me do it” – A case study

Louise Wallace

5

Self-Directed Study rd

6

Fri 3 November

Date

Assessment support & Q&A

Louise Wallace and Dr Henry Lennon

Location: On Campus (See Timetable) Social Psychology Workshop

Held by:

7

Fri 10th November

‘Danger, Danger, High Voltage…’ Social Influence & criminogenic potential

Dr Henry Lennon

8

Fri 24th November

‘A Nation Controlled By Media, In An Age Of Hysteria…’ The Necessity & Risks of Social Learning

Dr Henry Lennon

9

Fri 1st December

‘Put On Your Red Shoes, And Dance The Blues…’ Attributing Cause, Unintended Effects

Dr Henry Lennon

1 Fri 8th 0 December

‘So nobody told you uni was gonna be this way…’ Social Identity & Mischievous Dynamics

Dr Henry Lennon

1 Fri 15th 1 December

CWK2 Q&A

Louise Wallace and Dr Henry Lennon

Assessments Coursework 1

Coursework 1 consists of a small group research project where, based on the module and your independent reading, you will present a 1000-word equivalent poster on how the biological paradigm of psychology goes some way in explaining human offending behaviours with reference to genes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This should be done using both theoretical and research-based evidence. You are expected to reference your arguments (using scholarly references) within your poster. You should reference according to APA (7th Edition). Your group poster should resemble an academic poster format (guidance on this will be given in lectures). Assessment

Weighting

Submission Date

Poster Presentation Date

Return Date

50%

Monday 13th November 2021

Friday 17th November 2021

Friday 8th December 2021

11.59pm

On Campus

4:00pm *

Coursework 1

Coursework 2 Coursework 2 consists of a 1000-word case study write-up covering the social psychology component. You are expected to use the information given to you in the module and your independent reading to explain the criminal justice case from a psychological perspective. You are expected to reference your arguments (using scholarly references) throughout your coursework. You should reference according to APA (7th Edition). Your submission should be double spaced and formatted according to APA (7th Edition). Assessment

Coursework 2

Weighting

Submission Date

Return Date

Friday 19th January 2022

Friday 9th February 2022

50% 11.59pm

4:00pm *

Mark Descriptors – 2021 Marking Criteria for CW1 [Presentation] 2021 First Class 70+ Overall

Content

Support

2.1 – 60-69

2.2 – 50-59

An excellent standard

A very good standard

A good standard

Content relevant and all issues related to the topic are covered. Approach critical and evaluative and issues analysed in depth with points developed. Shows clear evidence of critical insight and independent thinking.

Content mostly relevant and nearly all issues related to the topic are covered. Approach critical and evaluative and issues analysed in some depth with only occasional underdevelop ed points. Shows evidence of critical insight and independent thinking.

Content generally relevant and many of the expected issues relevant to the topic are covered. Mostly critical and evaluative approach to the issues analysed, but more depth is required in places. Shows some evidence of critical insight and independent thinking.

Ideas well extended and well supported with frequent examples from academic sources and/or information from the notes. Effective use of citations and referencing. Very good visuals enhance the presentation

Ideas well supported with examples from academic sources and/or information from the notes. Citations and references mostly effective with occasional errors. Visuals have been used, mostly to good effect.

Most ideas generally supported though some examples may be irrelevant /inappropriat ely used. Citations and references attempted but contain errors and/or are missing in places. An acceptable attempt has been made to use visuals to support the

Third – 40-

Marginal

49

Fail 35-39

A Satisfactory standard

Marginally unsatisfactor y standard

Content occasionally irrelevant, one or two key issues may not be covered. Attempted critical and evaluative approach but critical analysis often lacks depth.

Only some ideas supported with examples or examples used inappropriate ly. Citations and references attempted but contain many errors and/or are missing in many places. Although visuals are present, they are generally

Fail 0-35

Below passing standard

Content frequently irrelevant and /or little coverage of the expected issues related to the question. Describes rather than discusses/ana lyses. No evidence of critical thinking.

No focus on the topic. No consideration of key areas to be addressed.

Most ideas unsupported or done so inappropriate ly. Citations and references hardly attempted. Visuals are absent or do little to support the main ideas.

No attempt to support main ideas. No citations or references acknolowedged. Visual poorly used or not used at all.

Structure

Clarity of Expression and Delivery

of the main ideas.

Font is generally clear and easy to read.

main points, though these are not always effective.

ineffective in supporting the main points.

Develops a very good critical line of argument which is organised with good cohesion and coherence. Very good range of signposting language and clear linking of all points both within individual section and the whole of the presentation.

Develops a good critical line of arguments which are wellorganised but there might be occasional redundancy. Clear use of a range of signposting. Most points clearly linked both within individual section and the whole of the presentation.

Develops a reasonable critical line of arguments though occasional lack of clarity can be expected. Some signposting evident both within own section and the whole presentation but some links might not always be clear.

Attempts to develop a critical line of arguments though ideas may often be obscured and/or arguments may be underdeveloped. Signposting used but to a limited effect.

Little organisation of information/i deas. Arguments/id eas lack logical development or are frequently incoherent. Signposting unclear and many points not linked with previous ones.

No logical organisation of ideas or attempt to link points.

Very good clarity, pace, fluency and variety in tone. Suitable volume. Maintains all round eye contact. Calm, confident & enthused. Consistent use of gestures to support meaning. Unobtrusive use of notes/cue cards. Very good verbal reference to visuals. Response to questions is full, clear and focused.

Suitable volume, pace & variety in tone. Mostly clear and fluent speech. Largely maintains appropriate eye contact. Calm and confident. Uses appropriate gestures to support meaning at times. Competent use of note...