PSYC 3500 Forensic Psychology

ASSIGNMENT NAME: Research Reflection

COURSE: PSYC 3500 Forensic Psychology

DUE DATE: February 4, 2022 – Friday February 11, 2021 by 11:59 pm

VALUE: 5%

SUBMISSION: On Blackboard

LEARNING OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES:

1. Examine and critically evaluate a range of research strategies and methods commonly used in the field of Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice

2. Gain exposure to the empirical research process used to study Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice related topics

3. Critically reflect on the empirical research process and your experience as a research participant

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW:

As part of this course you will have the opportunity to take part in empirical research being

conducted by senior level thesis students in the Criminal Justice program at Humber College.

This valuable experience will provide you with exposure to the empirical research process from

the perspective of a participant prior to completing your own thesis work in your final year

study. Understanding how studies are conducted will help you when examining how we use

research to quantify and examine issues in Forensic Psychology.

If you choose to participate in empirical research, you will be asked to participate in 3 empirical

research studies and submit a 2-page critical reflection based on your experiences. Alternatively,

if you do not wish to participate in research, you may choose to complete a 5-page critique of an

assigned empirical research article. Please follow the appropriate assignment instructions below

based on the option you choose.

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS: OPTION A

1. Access the Criminal Justice Research Portal Blackboard Site and browse the research studies that are currently being conducted by senior level thesis students

2. Select and participate in 3 research studies that interest you. Follow the links provided to access available research studies and/or contact the researchers to sign up for

interviews/focus groups.

***NOTE*** Be sure to keep a copy/screenshot of your consent form for each study to

submit with your written assignment.

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3. Compose a 2-page (double-spaced) critical reflection based on your experience as a research participant. Use a separate subheading for each study. Consider the following:

a. What was the study about? b. Were you able to determine what topic/variables the researchers were examining

prior to reviewing the debriefing form?

c. Were the questions clear? Were there any questions that could have been phrased in a different or more understandable way?

d. Do you think there is a different or better way to examine the topic/test the hypotheses?

e. Do you think the data will support the hypotheses the researchers are testing? f. How has this experience helped you prepare for the completion of your own thesis

work?

4. Submit your research reflection and copies of your consent forms in the assignments section on Blackboard

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS: OPTION B

1. Connect with your professor to request an assigned article

2. Review and critically evaluate the assigned article

3. Compose a 5-page critique of the assigned article. Consider the following: a. Outline the research question/purpose of the article b. What was/were the hypotheses being tested? c. What methodological approach was used? Was this the best approach? Is there a

different/better way to examine the topic/test the hypotheses?

d. Were the hypotheses supported? What were the results? e. What conclusions were drawn? f. Address the potential limitations of the study g. Outline possible future research ideas

4. Submit your critical reflection in the assignments section on Blackboard https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201361#:~:text=of%20the%20screen-,Press%20and%20hold%20these%20three%20keys%20together%3A%20Shift%2C%20Command%2C,the%20Esc%20(Escape)%20key.https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-snipping-tool-to-capture-screenshots-00246869-1843-655f-f220-97299b865f6b