Postgraduate CUR-PSB540-2023
Psychology and Policing
Learn how psychology can help police. You’ll dive head-first into false confessions and testimony, interviewing, facial recognition, eyewitnesses and human error. Beyond prosecution, learn how psychologists can assist police in times of stress.
$3,684 $3,934
Your upfront cost: $0
Duration
13 weeks
Study method
100% Online
Available loans
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
100% online
Prior study
Not required
Start dates
- 28 Aug 2023
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Subject details
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of contemporary policing and how it is influenced by psychological research
- show how a broad range of psychological findings can be applied to police work and assess their utility
- critique information gathering techniques employed by the police
- effectively argue for the inclusion of forensic psychology in police investigations.
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- False confessions and testimony
- Police interviewing
- Facial recognition
- Eyewitnesses and error
- Detecting deception
- Evidence-based policing
- Policing and stress
- Police and psychology in partnership I
- Police and psychology in partnership II
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-PSB540C-Psychology and Policing (No longer available)
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Psychologists have assisted the work of the police in a number of ways and this subject of study introduces applications of psychology to police operations. Topics covered include false confessions and testimony, police interviewing, facial recognition, and eyewitnesses and error. The rise of evidence-based policing has encouraged psychologists to work closely with the police on developing practices that are grounded in empirical research, and this approach will be critically assessed. Police officers frequently experience work related stress and ways in which psychologists can assist officers in responding to stress are also examined. Students will be provided with an overview of the opportunities and limitations of police-psychology collaborations. The need for a pragmatic approach underscores this subject of study.
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%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).