Prior to beginning this journal, review Chapters 2, 3, and 8 in the textbook, read the article, Allegiance Bias in Statement Reliability Evaluations Is not Eliminated by Falsification InstructionsLinks to an external site., and watch the film, The PCL-R Checklist: A Measure of EvilLinks to an external site.. Examine the subjective nature of forensic psychology concerning the evaluation of criminal defendants and the use of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) in forensic evaluations.
Your journal paper should be a minimum of 750 words in which you will reflect upon the following:
Evaluate the influences that can contribute to differential diagnoses depending upon which side hires the psychologist to evaluate a criminal defendant.
Determine how to minimize cognitive bias.
Discuss the process of diagnosing a defendant.
Discuss the legal implications of a negative diagnosis.
Assess, based on your assigned readings, including the assigned film, whether you believe that such assessments as the PCL-R can provide accurate predictions of an individuals behavior. Cite examples from your readings that support your analysis.
Carefully review the Grading RubricLinks to an external site. for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.