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 cannot 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

Special requirements

No special 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.

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