DISCUSSION QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS:

Research investigators often encounter the following saying: "A problem that goes unnoticed or ignored is a problem without a resolution."

Discuss a problem from the field of forensic psychology that you would like to have resolved through investigative research methods.

Use the following questions as guidelines for formulating the actual quantitative research question with respect to the problem that you identify:

What is the specific problem?

What is the evidence of the problem?

What do you suspect is causing the problem?

Is the research question clearly expressed without being too general or too narrow?

Does the question relate to the identified problem?

Is the research, based on the research question, feasible?

Will the research, based on the research question, add to the body of knowledge in the forensic psychology field?

After you submit your research question, read the responses of your classmates and critique the research question of two of your classmates as assigned by your instructor. Use these same questions as critique criteria in your response to other classmates:

Is the question clearly expressed without being too general or too narrow?

Does the question relate to the identified problem?

Are there any barriers to the research?

Will the research, based on the research question, add to the content body of knowledge?

Were these questions fully addressed?

What is the specific problem you are encountering?

What evidence do you have that there is a problem?

What do you suspect is causing the problem?

Post your response in a minimum of 300 words.

All written assignments and responses should follow APA rules for attributing sources.

Your response to the discussion question for week 1 was:

What is the specific problem? What is the evidence of the problem?

The problem is the emergence of many ethical dilemmas in the practice of forensic psychology. During the practice, one is forced to make many decisions that do not comply with the APA code of ethics. This is evident mainly when the professional is required to give sensitive information such as a client's psychological state or their traumatic experience before a court without the client's consent. This goes against the confidentiality agreement that is made between professional and client (Arrigo, 2000). Another dilemma is where the psychologist is supposed to interrogate the client based on the case. This goes against the professional-client relationship and ruins the image of the professional as being therapeutic. The client sees them as another law enforcement agent.

What do you suspect is causing the problem?

The legislations put in place in the court system that subjects the forensic psychologist to go against their code of conduct so as to fulfill their duties. I also believe that the job description of the forensic psychologist plays a significant role. By asking them extensions of the judicial system, one confines their activities to ensuring the proper progress of some cases and the ensuring that the inmates are brought under control. This takes away the primary role of the psychologist which is to help and treat people with mental conditions (Arrigo, 2000).

Is the research question clearly expressed without being too general or too narrow? Does the question relate to the identified problem?

The research question is "Does ethics still apply to forensic psychology?" This issue is clearly expressed as it states the primary challenge. Carrying out research on this question will reveal the causes of this problem and the recommendations to solve it. It relates to the problem at hand since it clearly stipulates the issue.

Is the research feasible? Will the research add to the body of knowledge in the forensic psychology field?

This study is feasible. The question of ethics has plagued the forensic psychology field for a long time. Carrying out the research is likely to shed light on the various views of people on this matter and the different ways of combating the problem. By carrying out research on this issue, we can find out the causes of this issue and the measures we can take to eradicate it from the field. We can also create a set of guidelines that will ensure the forensic psychologists practice with an ethical approach. This information will add to the body of knowledge in forensic psychology.

References
Arrigo, B. A. (2000). Introduction to forensic psychology: issues and controversies in crime and justice. San Diego: Academic Press.