Module Information

Module Identifier
LC24020
Module Title
Psychology and Crime
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Jen Phipps
Semester
Semester 1
Co-Requisite
LC22220 or LC28120 , CT22220
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
LC34020
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 5 x 1 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   written exam  50%
Semester Assessment Written Report  2500 words  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   written exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Written Report  2500 words  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the core areas and practical applications of investigative psychology.

2. Evaluate materials relevant to police investigation crime analysis and detection.

3. Outline and consider the contribution (actual and potential) of psychology to the Criminal Justice System as applied to the processes of investigation, custody, treatment and trial.

4. Assess the use of psychology in legal decision-making by both practitioners and lay personnel.

5. Identify and evaluate the contributions that experts can make in forensic contexts in terms of increasing understanding of offender and victim behaviour.

6. Apply the conceptual ideas discussed on the module to specific case studies.

Brief description

This module focuses on investigative psychology. It considers the application pf psychological principles to various aspects of a criminal investigation and law enforcement. Students will be introduced to investigative psychology and the principles on which it is based and other processes of detection used by the police. The module will introduce key themes in relation to investigative interviewing and the procedures that have been developed to improve the effectiveness of eyewitness and victim testimony. Finally, this module will provide students an insight in to psychology in the courtroom looking at jury selection and decision making and the role of the expert witness.

Content

The themes of this module will look at the application of psychology in criminal justice processes, from the preliminary investigative stages to the trial. For example:

Offender profiling

  • FBI style offender profiling
  • Investigative psychology
  • Geographical profiling
  • Statistical profiling
Seeking the truth – lie detection

Investigative Interviewing

  • Interviewing victims and witnesses
  • Interviewing suspects
Witnesses:

  • Eye witness memory and identification
  • Child witnesses
Safeguarding vulnerable witnesses

False allegations

False and True Confessions

Jury decision making

Expert Evidence / Witness

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Through the critical analysis of research findings students will develop an appreciation of theory and practice merge related to investigative psychology.
Communication Oral communication will be encouraged during interactive seminar discussion and group work conducted within the seminar series. Written communication will be developed and assessed within the coursework.
Improving own Learning and Performance Interactive lectures and seminars will encourage the critical and lateral thinking of students. Tasks and exercises set in seminars will facilitate the learning of abstract concepts and application of these to real life settings. The essay assignment will develop organisational skills and encourage students to reflect on the learning and teaching of the module content in a progressive manner.
Information Technology Searches of on-line electronic databases and journals will provide practice in IT skills. The core module content and lecture handouts will be made available on Blackboard.
Personal Development and Career planning ​Independent study in preparation for lectures and seminars will develop autonomy in student’s learning. Group work and will equip students with the communication skills to engage with others in the work place. The preparation and necessary engagement with the course for the essay assignment will encourage students to attend all lectures and seminars and actively participate in the tasks.
Problem solving The learner will be able to identify problems and possible solutions in relation to investigative psychology.
Research skills The learner will be supported and encouraged to develop their research skills in the areas of investigative and forensic psychology. They will be looking at case studies surrounding both.
Subject Specific Skills Students will develop reflective skills and will also be actively encouraged to think critically about the application of psychology in criminal investigation.
Team work Small group work within seminars will foster team working and develop knowledge exchange between students and tutors.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5