Course Resources Archive
PY216: Psychology and Law
| Module Title | Psychology and Law |
|---|---|
| Module Code | PY216 |
| Module Tutor | Claire L Marsh |
| School | Natural and Social Sciences |
| CAT Points | 15 |
| Level of Study | 5 |
| Pre-requisites | Before taking this module you must pass PY101 or pass PY108 |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Restrictions | None |
| Brief Description | This module provides an introduction to the contribution made by psychology to the criminal and legal process. It explores the pre-trial, or the investigative phase of the legal process, as well as the various perspectives on, and methods concerning, the assessment of the ‘truth’. It discusses a number of difficulties and controversies within this applied area. Finally, the module examines decision-making in the legal context and the role of the psychologist as an expert to the court. |
| Indicative Syllabus | The relationship between law and psychology. Eyewitness testimony. Assessing the truth and detecting lies. Interviewing and enhancing witness recall. False testimony. Vulnerable witnesses. Recovered memories. Reasoning and decision-making. Fitness to plead. Expert testimony. |
| Learning Outcomes | On completion of the module students should be able to
1. Extend and broaden their knowledge of selected theoretical theories in relation to the legal process.
2. Demonstrate an analytical appreciation of the application of psychology in the pre-trial or investigative phases of the legal process.
3. Show an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the application of psychology during the court process.
4. Critically engage with, and discuss, areas of contemporary controversy with this field (e.g. “recovered” memories of sexual abus e) and explore their implications within the courts, academia and professional practice. ii. Skills On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate that they can 1. Critically engage with issues that unite the practical and academic aspects of the field, e.g. eyewitness testimony. 2. Critique empirical research and assess their implications for this applied area of psychology. 3. Provide an analytical account of the theories, and explanations, of behaviour observed in legal contexts and interpret evidence for, and against, their validity. 4. A number of transferable skills such as literature searches, the ability to summarise and explain empirical findings, and to critically assess the research methods and strategies used. |
| Learning and Teaching Activities | Staff/Student Contact: 20% Student Independent/Private study: 80% |
| Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) | 001: 50% Coursework: Standard: 2000 words or equivalent 002: 50% Written Exam: End of year, unseen, closed book: 1.50 hours |
| Special Assessment Requirements | None |
| Indicative Resources | The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide. |
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