Search this site »

Interesting Subfields Within Forensic Psychology

Posted by Helping Psychology in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Apr 17, 2009

The desire to make a difference in the justice system is major factor in choosing forensic psychology as a career. The life of a Forensic Psychologist is a never ending education. The forensic psychologist is constantly doing research, consulting with attorneys, clients, judges and criminals. They are involved in jury selection and they review eyewitness testimony. Thay are an important ingredient in the Justice system.

Within the structure of forensic psychology there are several subfields that can be chosen and pursued as a career. These include clinical forensic psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology and criminal investigative psychology. All of these fields offer the opportunity to experience a rewarding career that gives credibility to the entire social system.

Clinical forensic psychology involves the assessment and treatment of people who are involved in the criminal justice system and who show signs of mental illness. There are several ways to contribute in this subfield; private practice is one way, and working as part of a hospital or correction facility is another. Clinical forensic psychologist are used as expert witnesses in the civil arena. They testify on the competence on an individual that is making some sort of legal decision, such as signing a will, or they may be involved in a child custody case. A clinical forensic psychologist can also make a career by doing research, if a doctorate program and mentoring program, are completed.

The study of systematic changes in humans over the course of a physical life is known as development psychology. This subfield studies changes in motor skills, problem solving and moral beliefs. It examines issues that are experienced through the accumulation of knowledge, as well as assessing innate mental structures, that form beliefs that influence experiences. Developmental psychologists research personal behavior, individual characteristic, and the environmental factors that contribute to and impact the social system in various ways.

The subfield of social psychology studies how people interact with each other on a one to one basis as well as in groups. Behavior, thoughts and feelings are examined and identified, in order to understand the diverse beliefs that exist within each person. For the most part this work is done in laboratory experiments. The research foundation for this process is empirical and quantitative in nature.

Problem solving, memory and language are all studied in the subfield of cognitive psychology. It is the study of how people process information and then how they express it. This subfield can also be called cognitivism. Psychologists use different approaches in order to understand, diagnose and solve issues concerning consciousness.

Criminal investigative psychology is the subfield that examines how the human mind works. They assist law enforcement by explaining what motivates people to commit different crimes. They usually can be found working crime scenes and developing a profile of behavior that identifies an unknown suspect. This field of study is rapidly growing around the world and more people are needed in this area.

Within the boundaries of forensic psychology there are several interesting and rewarding careers to experience. Each one provides an important service to the justice system.Without careers in forensic psychology the law enforcement system would just be a external shell with no substance. Forensic psychology provides a solid foundation for that system. As the 21st century justice system expands it will need help from qualified forenics psychologist in all the subfields mentioned. The population is increasing and global connections and challenges will test that system constantly.