Responding to a student DQ What more would you like to investigate in order to better prepare you for your future career/aspirations? Be sure to include expert recommendations (while some may be general, many are field/career specific). Support response with at least one peer-reviewed journal article with properly formatted APA in-text citation and reference.
Student Response: Darnell P
I have a rather solid understanding of the role of a forensic psychologist in a criminal setting, but civil matters involving forensic psychologists is less understood. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) (2008) forensic psychologists can also assist and advise clients on civil matters which can include civil litigations, personal injury suit plaintiffs, child custody cases, and assessments for potentially mentally disabled individuals. Further investigation into what that specifically entails is necessary. Second, the APA (2008) noted that forensic psychologists may also work in constitutional court settings along with the other various courts (state, district, federal, etc.). Understanding in what capacity does a forensic psychologist play in constitutional court cases would also be highly beneficial as that could be a possible career goal.
As described by the APA (2014), the assessments conducted on defendants as well as inmates can greatly influence the defendant’s legal status (competent or incompetent to stand trial). I would like to gain more experience using psychological instruments. Conducting mock competency assessments and comparing them to professional recommendations would provide some much-needed insight on how and when to properly use such an instrument. Also, I did not know forensic psychologists provide advice on selecting police officers in some jurisdictions around the country (APA, 2014). One of my future research topics will focus on the efficacy of mental health evaluations conducted on law enforcement officers in search of the deficiencies in screening for sociopathy and psychopathy. Finally, I would like to investigate quality doctoral programs that are flexible, affordable and are accepting students for the next academic year.
American Psychological Association. (2008). Forensic psychology. https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/forensic
American Psychological Association. (2014). A career in forensic and public service psychology. https://www.apa.org/action/science/forensic/education-training#