Topic — psychology of voilence and intimidation
Students will write a double-spaced, 8 – 10 page paper about any aspect of psychology as it relates to law (ex: Risk assessments and Dangerousness to Society, Psychopathy, Competency to Stand trial, Eyewitness Testimony, PTSD and Police, etc.). This paper must include four areas: 1) research synthesis, 2) community application, 3) diversity awareness, 4) faith integration. First, students will clearly and articulately synthesize research findings from peer-reviewed, scholarly sources on the selected topic from forensic psychology. Second, students will apply the research to a community setting such as prisons, advocacy agencies, the courts, or police departments. Next, students will briefly summarize issues relevant to diverse populations within the selected forensic psychology topic. For example, if the topic is eyewitness testimony, students may review research regarding race and eyewitness identification. Finally, students will conclude with a statement on faith integration. Specifically, students will identify practical applications of a Christian worldview to the research. For example, if the topic is violence risk assessment, students may speak to the Christian value of redemption and how that relates to risk measures that include dynamic factors. Students will provide support from a Christian worldview as to why this is relevant (i.e. Christians believe transformation and redemption are possible. Throughout the Bible God redeemed murderers, thieves, and those cast out by society).
Professional presentation will factor into the final grade. Use academic language, ensure the paper is structured well, is grammatically correct, and succinctly, articulately written. Professionals do not plagiarize and give credit where it is due; this is an issue of integrity and honor.
Research papers are required to be in APA format. This includes title page, abstract and references (including in-text citations). The research paper should be between 8 – 10 pages double spaced NOT including title page, abstract and references. If you are unfamiliar with APA citation, reference or format, refer to the APA Manual of Publication, 7th Edition and seek out assistance at the Student Success Center on campus.
References: IMPORTANT—An acceptable paper should synthesize knowledge from a variety of respected (peer-reviewed & scholarly) sources. Each of the four areas identified above must include at least two peer-reviewed, scholarly sources. A minimum of 10 references total must be used. Websites can be used as supplementary material only; no more than 2 website citations (in addition to the scholarly sources). Use primary sources of academic research unless absolutely necessary.
You may find sources for the faith integration piece in the following journals (though by no mean is this a comprehensive list):
Social Work and Christianity
The Journal of Psychology and Christianity
Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith
Christian Scholar’s Review
Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality
Journal of Christian Nursing
Christian Scholar’s Review
Christian Century
When conducting a search for the faith integration section consider Christian values and concepts such as:
Community
Resilience
Redemption
Hope
Justice
Truth
Goodness
Self-control
Gratitude
Faith as a protective factor
