Job/Employment Opportunity
One of the areas in which those who study psychology can work is the field of forensic psychology. Forensic Psychology is a relatively new filed. It is a field that continues to grow due to its significance in the modern society ( Antonio, 2015 ). Those who belong to the field of forensic psychology strive to apply concepts related too clinical psychology to forensic work. They use their skills to examine how people behave and act in relation to the existing laws. In addition, they apply various ideas related to cognitive psychology and social psychology in the legal arena. The primary objective is to help those who engage in legal affairs and law enforcement to gather information and evidence that can be used as the basis for determining the outcome of a certain case.
Education
Like in any other profession, forensic psychologists require certain skills to be able to practice in the civil courts and criminal justice systems. In addition, they must have the skills needed to apply psychological principles in the legal arena ( Iudici et al., 2015 ). For these individuals to succeed, they require doctoral degrees in the field of psychology. It is imperative to state that post-doctoral programs related to the field of psychology also require a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The individuals with master’s degree in psychology can only perform work at the research level. The trend is attributed to the fact that such people lack the advanced skills required to practice as forensic psychologists.
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Responsibilities of the Job/Position
Forensic psychologists have a wide range of duties and responsibilities. Most of the duties relate to the practice of psychology within the context of law and criminal justice system. Some of the duties that such people may be required to perform include conducting child custody evaluation, investigating child abuse reports, offering expert witness services, evaluating suspected criminals for mental health and competency, creating rehabilitation plans, and evaluating jurors ( Neal, 2018 ).
Alignment with Biopsychosocial Model
Biopsychosocial model usually revolves around the interconnection between socio-environmental, biological, and psychological factors. The model can be used to understand various issues and concepts including those related to health and disease. In the fled of forensic psychology, this particular model may be used as the basis for determining whether individuals are of the right mental health ( Neal, 2018 ). In addition, the framework provides a basis for studying the factors that may influence the behavior and actions of different people who have problems with the law.
Local Employment Possibilities
Forensic psychology is an emerging field with numerous local employment opportunities. These individuals work with other professionals in the legal systems to solve complex issues related to the law. In most instances, state licensure is not required for those who want to practice as forensic psychologists. However, some courts my demand that those who give expert witness evidence to have state licenses. Therefore, state license may enhance the marketability of those who intend to take up the job of a forensic psychologists.
Reflection
I have always believed that the field of psychology is broad and applicable to a wide range of professions. Those who practice in different filed can use concepts related to psychology to solve complex issues that they face. During this project, I realized that psychology can also be applied to the legal setting. The forensic psychologist can use their skills to assist professionals in the legal field to find solutions to complex criminal cases. I found the field of forensic psychology interesting since it can be used as the basis for determining cases.
Direction and Trend
Forensic psychology is a relatively new filed. In addition, it is a sector that requires advanced skills for one to be able to practice effectively. I realized that many people are getting interested in this particular filed because of the extent to which it applies to their everyday life.
References
Neal, T. (2018). Forensic psychology and correctional psychology: Distinct but related subfields of psychological science and practice. The American psychologist , 73 (5), 651–662. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000227
Iudici, A., Salvini, A., Faccio, E., & Castelnuovo, G. (2015). The Clinical Assessment in the Legal Field: An Empirical Study of Bias and Limitations in Forensic Expertise. Frontiers in psychology , 6 , 1831. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01831
Antonio, S. (2015). Forensic neuropsychological assessment: a review of its scope. Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) , 42 (2), 63-67.
