How to Learn a Forensic Assessment

In a forensic assessment, different tests, interviews and situations are used to determine a person's violent or aggressive behavior. Multiple assessments test for different risk factors, including sexual and workplace violence threat. Psychologists are often called upon for courtroom testimony after assessing criminal behavior; assessments can give judges and jurors insight into the likelihood for repeat offenses. Incorporate different tools to help learn about these assessments.

Things You'll Need

  • Books about forensic assessment
  • DSM-IV-TR
  • Flash cards
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read forensic psychology books, journals and articles. Learn each of the assessments and what they are used for. An adult can be given the Spousal Risk Assessment Guide; an individual is assessed with 20 separate risk factors to determine if he poses a risk of violence toward his spouse. Juveniles are assessed using gender-based Early Risk Assessments to determine potential risk. Separate assessments exist for assessing adults and juveniles.

    • 2

      Make flash cards of words and terms used for assessments. Quizlet offers printable flash cards for students studying forensic psychology. Print the cards and study them for 10 to 20 minutes each day.

    • 3

      Do mock interviews. Ask a friend to pose as a violent criminal or a disturbed youth. Ask assessment questions to determine the individual's risk level. Refer to your DSM-IV-TR for possible "diagnosis."

    • 4

      Write a mock report using the material from your mock interview.

    • 5

      Play a game. Quizlet offers vocabulary and knowledge tests for forensic psychology students.

    • 6

      Get a copy of each assessment. Go over the assessments and learn what is on each one. Make notes concerning each one's differences. The Forensic Psychology website offers a full mailing list for obtaining each assessment.

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