FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Course Code: PSY2403 Credit Units:

3
Course Objectives:
The objective of this course is to study the concept, principles and theories of cognition and its
application in cognitive psychology. This will facilitate the students to develop an understanding of
the cognitive skills in themselves and others.

Course Content:

Module I: Introduction to Forensic Psychology

● Nature, scope and history of Forensic Psychology; The roles of the Forensic Psychologist:
Clinical and Experimental. Forensic cyberpsychology & ethical hacking

Module II: Psychologists in Court

● Expert evidence, forensic reports; Pre-Trial preparation, forensic portfolio; examination in
chief, Cross Examination

Module III: Eyewitness Testimony and False Confession

● The accuracy of witness evidence, eyewitness evidence in court; consequences and types of
false confession

Module IV: Profile Analysis & Serial Killing

● Nature of profiling work, FBI profiling-Stage 1: data assimilation stage, Stage 2: Crime
Scene Classification, Stage 3: Crime Scene reconstruction, Stage 4: Profile Generation.
Introduction, Strategies & Actuarial Models & profiling. Serial killer typologies & Mass
murderers

Module V: Forensic Investigation Techniques

● Introduction, forensic statement analysis, polygraph, Narco-analysis, brain electrical
oscillation, signature profiling and latest techniques

Module VI: Correctional Programs for Offenders

● Correctional Facilities, Legal Rights of Inmates, Psychological Assessments in
corrections, Treatment & Rehabilitation

Examination Scheme:
Components Internal End Term Exam
Assessment
 Weightage 30 70
*Multiple modes of Assessment required for internal assessment (Home Assignment/ Class Test/ Presentation/ Mid-Term
Exam/case
study/fieldwork/quiz/seminar)
 List of Reading
Material
● Batchman,R.,Schutt, R.K. (2008).Fundamentals of research in criminology and criminal
justice. London: Sage.
● Bartol, C. & Bartol, A., (2008). Current Perspectives in Forensic Psychology and
Criminal Behavior
● Bartol, C. R. & Bartol, A. M. (2004) Introduction to forensic psychology. New Delhi: Sage.
● Batrol C R and Batrol A. M. (2010), Criminal Behaviour: A psychological Approach
Prentice Hall.
● Canter David (2008), Criminal Psychology: Topics in Applied Psychology, Hodder Education.
● Doug Whetstone (2014). Secrets of Detecting Lies (Book 1) Create Space
Independent Publishing Platform.
● Ekman Paul (2009) Telling Lies: Clues to Deceit in the Marketplace, Politics, and Marriage W.
W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (January 26, 2009)
● Gordon, N. J., Fleisher, W. L., and Weinberg, C. D. (2002). Effective Interviewing
and Interrogation Techniques: Academic Press. 7. Irving B. Weiner and A. K. Hess
(2005), Handbook of Forensic Psychology (3rd ed.). John Wiley and Sons.
● Katherin Ramsland (2017). The Psychology of Death Investigations: Behavioural Analysis
for Psychological Autopsy and Criminal Profiling 1st Ed. CRC Press
● McCaffrery, R.J et al. (1997).The Practice of Forensic Neuropsychology, New York: Plenum
Pr
● Michael, P. M. (1985). A Clinician's Guide to Forensic Psychological Assessment. The
Free Press. A Division of MacMillan Press
● Veeraraghavan, V., (2009) Handbook of Forensic Psychology. Selective & Scientific
Books Pubblishers and Distributors
● Walker, L.E.A. and Shapiro D (2003) Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Clinical and
Social Psychological Perspective. Springer
● Wrightsman, L.S.& Fulero, S.M.(2008). Forensic Psychology. London. Batsford Academic
and Education Ltd.
● Webb, D.(2013). Criminal profiling: An Introduction Guide. UK: Independent
Publishing Platform.