Psychological Contributions to Understanding Crime

• • What is forensic psychology?
  • History of forensic psychology
  • Psychosocial research perspectives
  • Psychobiological research perspectives
  • Public perceptions of crime and punishment
  • Psychology, crime and the public

Equivalent subjects

You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

• CUR-PSB550C-Psychological Contributions to Understanding Crime (No longer available)

Additional requirements

No additional requirements

Forensic psychology concerns the application of psychology to the understanding and operation of legal and criminal justice systems. Theories and knowledge from a broad range of domains can be applied within forensic contexts. This subject of study demonstrates how knowledge from the domains of biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality, and mental health psychology have been successfully employed to address forensic questions and issues. Students are presented with an introduction to key areas of forensic psychology and major theories of crime are offered and evaluated. Societal constructions of criminality and the changing nature of criminality are examined. Psychological explanations of crime are applied to contemporary issues and appraised. Potential limitations of psychology within forensic settings are explored.

Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

• Written Assignment (50%)
• Examination (50%)

Current study term: 28 Aug 22 to 27 Nov 22