Forensic Psychological Assessment and Forensic Science

Recommended Prerequisites

The student should have background knowledge on psychological assessment tests

Teaching Methods

The unit takes place using lectures, analysis and discussion of assessment protocols and reports in the areas of Forensic Psychology mentioned in the syllabus. It will also include the use of role-play activities with the simulation of assessment protocols and reports writing.

Learning Outcomes

General Objectives:

 a) To promote the acquisition of knowledge about the various areas of the forensic context in which psychological assessment is required;

 b) To develop skills in planning, implementation and analysis of assessment protocols depending on the judicial requests;

c) To understand the structure of the reports in forensic context depending on the request and assessment protocol;

 d) To know the limits of psychological assessment and psychological testing in forensic context.

 Theoretical skills, it is aimed that students:

 - Know the different models and protocols for assessment in forensic context;

- Identify assessment protocols adjusted to the particular situations of the forensic context.

 Practical Skills, it is aimed that students:

 - Plan and design assessment protocols adapted to specific forensic processes;

 - Identify the opportunities, difficulties and limitations of various methodologies and assessment tools in forensic context.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Psychological assessment in forensic context: assessment tools, assessment protocols, reporting in different areas:

 a) Psychological evaluation of children and adolescents victims of child maltreatment (protection system);

 b) Psychological assessment in child custody: children and adults (parents and other relatives,  caregivers);

c) Psychological assessment in juvenile delinquency;

d) Forensic interview with children and vulnerable witnesses;

e) Disability/damage assessment among victims resulting from work and motor/road vehicle accidents;

f) Assessment of testamentary capacity;

h) Ethical issues in Psychological Assessment in forensic settings.

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Maria Marques Alberto

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Elaboration of a manual organized in chapters, which integrates a synthesis of theoretical information and a critical reflection, for each of the uc modules (individual work = 25%): 25.0%
Preparation of a psychoeducational booklet for children, adolescents or adults on one of the topics covered (eg regulation of parental responsibilities, promotion and protection of children at risk) and judicial context (group work = 25%): 25.0%
2 tests of 5 values each = 50%: 50.0%

Bibliography

Bush, S.S., Demakis, G.J., Rohling, M. L. (Eds) (2017). APA Handbook of Forensic Neuropsychology. Washington, DC: APA

Cohen, K. S. (2016). Expert witnessing and scientific testimony: A guidebook. New York: CRC Press.

Drogin, E. Y., Dattilio, F. M., Sadoff, R. L., Gutheil, T. G. (2011). Handbook of forensic assessment: Psychological and psychiatric perspectives. New York: Wiley.

Fonseca, A. C., Simões, M. R., Simões M.C.T., & Pinho, M.S. (Eds.) (2006). Psicologia Forense. Coimbra: Almedina.

 

Goldstein, M. L. (2015). Handbook of Child Custody. London:Springer.

Graham, J. T. & Crighton, D. A. (2015). Forensic psychology. Chichester:Wiley.

Huss M. T. (2014). Forensic psychology: Research, clinical practice, and applications (2nd ed.) Malden MA: Wiley.

Simões, M.R., et al. (2017, in press). Avaliação neuropsicológica em contextos forenses: Fundamentos, protocolo e instrumentos de avaliação. In F. Vieira, A. C. Cabral & C. B. Saraiva (Coord.), Manual de Psiquiatria Forense. Lisboa: Pactor.