Forensic Industrial Psychology

1IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment

SU 3: Forensic assessment

• See SG page 22 – 30• See prescribe book of Roos +

Voster 2009 - Chapter 3

2IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment

Learning outcomes

• Explain how the referral question determines the nature of the assessment.

• Discuss the types of information that should be obtained in an interview for forensic assessment purposes.

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 3

Learning outcomes

• Describe the role of psychometric tests in a forensic evaluation

• Indicate the importance of comprehensive and supportive collateral information

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 4

Learning outcomes

• Differentiate between the various ways of assessing mental status during an interview.

• Explain the importance of the forensic report in a forensic assessment

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 5

Learning outcomes

• Give an exposition of how the IP report differs

from other professionals’ reports.

• Describe how psychologists should adhere to

the different ethical codes that apply to

psychometric evaluation, test validity, record

keeping and report writingIOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 6

Learning outcomes

• Explain the importance of clarifying test procedures, fees, consent and confidentiality

• Critically explain how the recommendations made might affect people’s lives and future.

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 7

3.1 Introduction

• Forensic assessment differ from psychological assessment

• Objective• Scientific• Client treated with respect + dignity

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3.2 The purpose of the assessment

• Lawyers must explain to clients

• Referral questions must be answered by Psychologist

• Psychological report to be used in courtIOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 9

The purpose of the assessment

• Confidentiality = 1st appointment

• Client right to explanation, assessment procedure and report

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 10

3.3Methods of assessment3.3.1 The interview

• Main tool• Goal = gather info + clinical impression• Biographical info; developm history; social

circumstances, relationships; occupational and other info

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3.3.1.1Structure of the interview

• Up to you as the interviewer

• Person’s center approach

• Structured or questionnaire

• Do Act 3.1 page 24 SG

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 12

3.3.2 Psychometric assessment• HPCSA

• Forms 207 and 208

• Read 3.3.2 in prescribed book

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3.3.2.1 The role of Psychometric tests in a forensic

setting • Measure an individual’s

characteristics objectively• Sample of behaviour• Appropriate tests

• See Roos PBIOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 14

3.3.2.2Selecting a battery of tests

• Difficult decision

• Depends on referral question

• Support and validate one another

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 15

3.2 Activity

• See Roos

• Do in class

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3.3.2.3 Important aspects of psychological testing• Valid and reliability• Valid = Measure what they suppose to

measure• Reliability = Should give consistent results• Proper admin• Correct interpretation of the tests• Integrated with the interview, biographical

info and own observationIOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 17

3.3 Collateral information• Info from client is subjective

• Collateral info confirm the above

• Sources like: Doctors; family members, previous

therapists, birth history anything that you can get

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Collateral information (cont)• Client must give consent for 3rd parties info

• Telephonic consultation, letters, affidavits

• See also Roos

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3.3.4 Mental status examination

• MSE = systematic doc of mental functioning

• See Roos• Activity 3.3 page 26• Do in class

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3.4 Forensic report writing

• Most NB part

• No standard format

• Depend on referral question

• Activity 3.4 = homework

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3.4.1 Presentation

• Basic rules of good writing

• Logic structure

• Answer the referral question

• Your expertise and ethics

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 22

Activity 3.5• Do in class

• See reports from LISA on webpage

IOP 203S SU 3- Forensic assessment 23