Psychology2016

Applied Psychology and Psychology Careers B-9

All of the forms of psychological involvement in legal matters mentioned here can be

considered as part of the growing field of forensic psychology. Forensic psychology is the

practice of psychology related to the legal system, and it involves examining criminal evi-

dence and aiding law enforcement investigations into criminal activities. Some forensic psy-

chologists provide information and advice to officials in the legal system, such as lawyers or

judges; some act as expert witnesses (like Professor John Gambon in the opening story); some

actually diagnose and treat criminals within the prison system; and others may administer

psychological tests to criminal defendants. Forensic psychologists may aid either the pros-

ecution or the defense in a trial by helping determine which potential jurors would be the

best or worst choices. This type of professional may do consulting work in addition to main-

taining a regular private practice in clinical or counseling psychology or may work entirely

within the justice system as a police psychologist or a full-time jury expert, for example.

PSYCHOLOGY AND THE COMMUNITY Community psychology is an area that focuses

on both individuals and their community. This field is often concerned with issues at

various levels, including individual, group, neighborhood, and organizational. It is an

area that focuses on promoting health and preventing common societal issues across all

levels. Community psychology aims to understand human behavior in context and rec-

ognizes the role of human diversity in promoting change. Advocacy is a key role for indi-

viduals in this area as they work to promote social justice, or practices and policies that

directly impact aspects of life such as equal opportunity for all people, prevention of vio-

lence, and active citizenship. Community psychologists are involved in a variety of life

activities and may be engaged in promoting mental health, physical health, educational

interventions, or work policies.

PSYCHOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Another broad area in which psychological

principles can be applied to solve practical problems is the area of managing the envi-

ronment. Environmental psychology is an area that focuses on the relationship between

human behavior and the environment in which the behavior takes place, such as an office,

store, school, dormitory, or hospital. Because the concern of researchers in this field deals

directly with behavior in a particular setting, research is always conducted in that setting

rather than in a laboratory. Environmental psychologists may work with other profession-

als such as urban or city planners, economists, engineers, and architects, helping those

professionals plan the most efficient buildings, parks, housing developments, or plants.

forensic psychology

area of psychology concerned with

people in the legal system, including

psychological assessment of criminals,

jury selection, and expert witnessing.

community psychology

area of psychology in which

psychologists serve at various levels

including individual, group, and

community, focusing on promoting

social welfare and preventing social

problems.

environmental psychology

area of psychology in which the

focus is on how people interact with

and are affected by their physical

environments.

Practice Quiz How much do you remember?

Pick the best answer.

1. Dr. Saschi works at a hospital and is regularly called to the
   emergency room to assist with patients who are having acute
   mental health crises. She often prescribes psychotropic medications
   to help these patients get stabilized. Which of the following degrees
   has Dr. Saschi most likely earned?
   a. An Ed.D. c. An M.D.
   b. A Ph.D. d. A Psy.D.


2. Rochelle has earned a master’s degree but decided not to pursue
   her doctorate. She does, however, want to provide counseling and
   therapy to clients but does not want to be supervised for her entire
   career. After several years of training and appropriate supervision,
   she has achieved a degree that, in her state, will allow her to have
   this career. Which of the following would not likely be a title that
   Rochelle may now hold?
   a. LCP (Licensed Children’s Psychologist)
   b. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
   c. LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
   d. LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
   3. ____ psychologists are primarily interested in changes in the
   way people think, in how people relate to others, and in the ways
   people feel over the entire span of life. They often work in academic
   settings, such as colleges and universities, and may do research in
   various areas. They do not generally provide therapy.
   a. Counseling c. Sociocultural
   b. Developmental d. Environmental
   4. Dr. Kandlend has spent his entire career working with chimpanzees,
   studying the ways that their behavioral profiles are both similar to
   and different from those of human beings. Dr. Kandlend is probably
   a ____ psychologist.
   a. physiological c. forensic
   b. zoological d. comparative

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