Applied Forensic Psychology
You are required to write a two-part essay which critically evaluates the contribution of forensic psychology to interviews conducted in forensic contexts.
Part A should be communicated towards the general public, as if it were an article for the science section of a newspaper. In this section, explain how forensic psychological insights have been applied to develop a new interview technique that improves upon the ‘traditional’ approach and assess their application.
Part B should be written for the academic community (i.e., a traditional essay). In this section, specifically consider vulnerable interviewees and evaluate how forensic psychology research has been applied in these contexts.
A successful answer should include the following:
• In Part A:
o A critical account of traditional interview techniques, including their unintended consequences.
o A description of an evidence-based interview technique, including an evaluation of its process and its application in real world settings.
o Limitations of the current evidence base and/or outstanding research questions that future studies could address should be identified.
o The language used should be appropriate for a non-academic audience.
• In Part B:
o The identification of vulnerable witness(es) and an explanation of why they are considered vulnerable.
o A discussion of when and how interviews may or may not be appropriate for vulnerable witness(es).
o Limitations of the current evidence base and/or outstanding research questions that future studies could address should be identified.
• Across both sections:
o The essay should be very well structured, with a clear line of argument that flows smoothly, and claims should be convincingly supported with evidence.
o A range of up-to-date resources should be cited, and some resources should reflect independent reading/a more fine-grained analysis of resources we covered in lectures.
o Accurate referencing.
