PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC POLICY/LAW
Psychological research is and has been applied to many areas of daily life. From television commercials to a first grade classroom, you can see the effects of research in action. When psychological research is used to influence and shape public policy, in general, and specific laws, trained forensic psychologists and forensic psychology professionals typically are behind the scenes. Individuals who understand psychological research and the legal/political/legislative process are excellent candidates to help meld these two seemingly dissimilar areas.
To prepare for this Discussion:
- Review the article, “Washington’s Sexually Violent Predator Law:Legislative History and Comparisons With Other States.” Think about how historical and forensic psychological research contributes to the establishment of law and policy.
- Review the article, “Stalking: Lessons From Recent Research.” Pay particular attention to how research is used to influence community action and thereby affect public policy.
- Review the article, “Sexually Violent Predator Evaluations: Empirical Evidence, Strategies for Professionals, and Research Directions.” Consider how the findings described in this article might be helpful in influencing or setting public policy.
- Using the Walden Library, identify and review a psychological research study that you believe has influenced a change in public policy or law.
- Reflect upon the population studied, the key data and results, and other important takeaways of the research study.
- Think about how this research study might influence public policy and/or law in forensics or in forensic settings.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post
1st Heading and discussion piece; A brief summary of the research study you selected. (Be sure to include the population studied, key data and results, and other important takeaways of the article. )
2nd Heading and discussion piece; Then, explain “how a forensic psychology professional might use the results of the study to influence public policy and/or law in forensics or in forensic settings”.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.