10 1 discussion reflection 4
Rubric and responses attached.
Reflect back on the course. In this general forensic psychology survey course, we have examined many different aspects of forensic psychology. In your discussion, discuss and think about the following:
What was the most valuable piece of information you learned in this class? What was the most surprising finding? How do you foresee using the knowledge you gained in this course as you go forward? What aspects of forensic psychology covered in this course would you like to learn more about? Is there a particular question you would like answered regarding any theory or theme? How do you intend to research this topic or question? Do you think your idea of what a forensic psychologist does has changed?
Over the past nine modules, students have covered many important areas of forensic psychology. In Module Ten, students reflect on how their perceptions of a forensic psychologist may have changed. Students should consider specializing through continued education in forensic psychology, if any of the topic areas were found to be intriguing. There are a lot of areas of society that forensic psychologists influence, and it can be essential to have a solid understanding of both psychology and the law when entering the field. It is important as a forensic psychologist to have a strong foundation of the history of the field and of influential court cases. It can also be important to know about the people who have influenced the field and to know the trends that are impacting the field today and the field’s future.
Graduate students may continue on to a PhD program, and it is crucial to have a variety of practicum experiences so that students will have a better understanding of the areas that they find intriguing. Students may be surprised at the end of their doctorate to land in a specialty of psychology that they never previously considered. As a student, be open to new possibilities. It is the one time in a student’s career to try new things in terms of psychology and see as many different clients as possible.
Diagnosis diversity is very important. Diagnosing will make students better psychologists if they partake in the experience of diagnosing or of knowing what a diagnosis looks like while working under a supervisor. Also, if possible, try to work with children and adults. Working with the youth population often gives people insight into how adult clients may have been as children.
The decisions and assessments that forensic psychologists make and complete can alter an individual’s or many people’s lives. Ethics is such an important area in the field. Within ethics, it is important to recognize one’s ethical standards, but it is equally important to recognize personal limitations.
Not many individuals enter the field of forensic psychology without personal baggage, experiences, or biases. It is imperative to reach out for and receive quality supervision along the way and to know when to seek a second opinion. Completing scholarly research and exploring the experts’ findings are great ways to advance in the field. The field of forensic psychology is ever growing and ever changing and is always in need of fresh eyes, fresh research, and new ideas.
