Debunking Common Myths Related to Forensic Psychologists

1. Debunking Common Myths Related to Forensic Psychologists Forensic psychology is a branch of psychology in which the psychologists apply their expertise to the justice system This field of study amalgamates both the science of psychology and law. People are today more curious to know more about this field of study, owing to popular television shows and media. However, these shows often create a falsified image of forensic psychologists which has given birth to certain misconceptions. In this piece of content, we will discuss and debunk the common myths related to Forensic Psychologists. Forensic science and Forensic Psychology are the same Often people take both the terms forensic science and forensic psychology as synonymous. The truth is that both are distinct disciplines. In Forensic psychology, psychologists apply their knowledge to the issues related to the law within a legal context. Whereas, coming to forensic science, it involves the study and investigation of evidence collected from the crime scene, like fingerprints. Both are a different field of study with different educational requirement. Forensic Psychologists solve the crimes Some people are under the impression that forensic psychologists are actively involved in criminal investigation and they are responsible for solving the crimes. This presumed theory, having its roots in tv shows, is completely baseless. Though they have a legal understanding that lets them analyze the psychological state of an individual within a legal framework, they are not crime solvers. The crime-solving responsibilities stay with only with criminal investigators and other law enforcement professionals. The forensic psychologists evaluate the mental health of defendants and witnesses, examine the defendant's ability to stand trial, and provide their expert advises to criminal investigators. They also determine parental fitness in child custody cases, but they are certainly not directly involved in solving crimes.

2. Forensic Psychologists work at the crime scene There is a common myth that forensic psychologists work at the crime scene which is far from reality. This myth is again a fabrication of popular Hollywood shows or movies. The forensic psychologists do work in such settings, but they also work in hospitals, private agencies, community-based advocacy groups, prisons, and mental health centers. Forensic psychologists are not limited to criminal investigations and court cases only. Forensic Psychologists interrogate only criminal suspects One of the popular misconceptions regarding forensic psychologists that spread among the people curious to learn more about the field is that forensic psychologists interrogate only criminal suspects. First of all, they do not interrogate anybody, though they do ask several questions to defendants or criminals to understand and evaluate their mental state. Secondly, they not only psychoanalyze defendants or criminals but also witnesses and plaintiffs. Criminal investigators or police do use the results of the evaluation of forensic psychologists during the trial, but the latter is not involved in extracting confessions. They provide unbiased expert analysis in such criminal cases. So, these are common myths surrounding forensic psychologists. Hopefully, now you will have a clear vision and understanding of this field of study.