Criminological and Forensic Psychology

The second edition of Criminological and Forensic Psychology is an even more theoretically rigorous, practically relevant, engaging and fun introduction to this broad and fascinating field. It covers both the conceptual basis within which psychology knowledge is applied in forensic contexts and the practical applications of psychology to the criminal civil justice systems.

Key Features:

• Case studies feature in every chapter and place students in the full context of a criminal case, showing them how psychological theories can be used to explain real-life crimes.
  
• In-depth exploration of the fascinating courtroom process including separate chapters on the Defendant s Mind and The Jury.
  
• A dedicated chapter on research methods specific to forensic psychology to help students do their research project around this topic, covering the final year and post-graduate research. 
  
• A new chapter on Intimate relationship aggression: Domestic Violence and Domestic Homicide
  
• Online resources including chapter-by-chapter multiple choice questions, additional case studies and links to further readings 
  

List of contents

Section 1: Defining Criminological and Forensic Psychology
Chapter 1: Defining Forensic Psychology
Chapter 2: Research Methods in Forensic Psychology
Section 2: Psychological Explanations of Crime
Chapter 3: Psychological Approaches to Understanding Crime
Chapter 4: Who Commits Crime? The Criminal Mind
Chapter 5: Juvenile Criminals
Section 3: Psychological Explanations of Specific Crime Types
Chapter 6: The Psychology of Homicide
Chapter 7: The Psychology of Terrorism
Chapter 8: Crimes of a Sexual Nature
Chapter 9: Intimate Relationship Aggression: Domestic Violence and Domestic Homicide
Chapter 10: The Psychology of Firesetting
Chapter 11: The Psychology of Theft, Robbery, and Burglary
Chapter 12: The Psychology of Economic Crime
Section 4: Psychology in Detection and Investigation
Chapter 13: Psychology in the Investigation of Crime
Chapter 14: Psychology in the Police Station 1: Victims and Witnesses
Chapter 15: Psychology in the Police Station 2: Investigative Interviews and the Psychology of False Confession
Section 5: Psychology in the Court Room
Chapter 16: Psychology in Court 1: Procedures and Evidence
Chapter 17: Psychology in Court 2: The Defendant's Mind
Chapter 18: Psychology in Court 3: The Mind of the Jury
Section 6: Psychology in Prison
Chapter 19: Punishment, Rehabilitation, and Psychology
Chapter 20: Adjustment to Prison Life: Mental Disorder, Life Imprisonment, and Death Row

About the author

Helen Gavin was, before retiring in 2023, Subject Lead in Criminal Psychology at the University of Huddersfield, having previously been Head of Psychology at two universities. She taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in this area, and now carries out research that focuses on deviant and homicidal sexual expression. She is currently collaborating with researchers and practitioners across the UK and in the USA, concerned with projects in female aggression, non-apprehended offenders, and issues concerning policing. She has supervised a number of research students, some of whom have investigated female aggression and psychopathy, the effect of childhood abuse, witchcraft and child homicide, sexual assault in hidden populations, traumatic incidents experienced by police officers, characteristics of homicide, sexual deviancy and disgust responses, and incarcerated sex offenders.

Previous books include Women and the Abuse of Power (Emerald), Understanding Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology (Sage), The Essence of Cognitive Psychology (Prentice-Hall), and Sex Drugs and Rock & Roll: Psychological, Legal, and Cultural Examinations of Sex and Sexuality (ID-Net Press). She has also contributed chapters to over a dozen edited books, and published widely in forensic and medical journals. Helen feels that studying criminal psychology can make one lose a sense of perspective, so she also studies cultural issues such as music and fairy tales, both of which, she has discovered, have a dark side.

Summary

Covering the conceptual basis and practical applications of psychology in forensic and criminal contexts, the second edition of this theoretically rigorous and fun introduction includes updated definitions, an extended research methods chapter and additional content on domestic violence and gender and criminality.

Report

A fantastic resource, not only for those studying towards a formal qualification in criminological and / or forensic psychology but also written in a straightforward way that's accessible for anyone with an interest in the subject area. The book has a good range of engaging content with a glossary to aid the reader in developing an understanding of the more technical terminology. The key themes throughout the book allow the reader to make connections and see the 'bigger picture'.
 
The author threads relevant and engaging research studies throughout the book in a way which demonstrates the importance of research as a foundation for psychological knowledge, but without intimidating those who may be reading for interest only.
 
From a teaching and learning perspective the book uses valid and reliable sources and encourages the reader to do like-wise. The clear visual overviews allow the reader to clearly focus on the key points while also allowing them to easily compare and contrast the content under discussion. The review of each section allows the reader to consolidate their learning with the opportunity for further reading allowing them to develop a deeper level of knowledge and understanding.
 
I'll definitely be recommending it to my psychology students.
Claudi Moi 20190104

Product details

• Authors: Helen Gavin, Helen (University of Huddersfield Gavin
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 28.02.2019
• EAN: 9781526424266
• ISBN: 978-1-5264-2426-6
• No. of pages: 496
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Psychology > Applied psychology; Non-fiction book > Psychology, esoterics, spirituality, anthroposophy > Applied psychology; Social sciences, law, business > Law > Criminal law, criminal procedural law, criminology; Kriminalpsychologie, forensische Psychologie