Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Evidence and Investigation
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: PSY11104
Module leader: Faye Skelton
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Psychology
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

1. To develop knowledge of UK criminal justice systems and the differences between them.2. To consider the role of psychologists within UK criminal justice systems.3. To provide a comprehensive overview of the interaction between psychology and the criminal justice system. 4. To develop a critical understanding of the role of psychological research in informing and enhancing practice.5. To consider differences between adversarial and inquisitorial legal systems.Indicative content includes: Eyewitness memory and identification of suspects; false and recovered memories; interviewing witnesses and suspects including vulnerable individuals; false confessions; false allegations; detection of deception; investigative and jury decision making; expert witnesses.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Analyse similarities and differences between different jurisdictions, or within jurisdictions over time.

LO2: Critically evaluate the contribution of psychological theory and research to legal and investigative processes.

LO3: Understand the role of the expert witness and the requirements for expert evidence.

LO4: Critically evaluate the role of forensic psychology in understanding and preventing miscarriages of justice.

LO5: Synthesise research evidence to make informed evaluations and recommendations in line with appropriate professional standards. .
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Faye Skelton
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 Content will be delivered via face-to-face classes that will be lecture-style to provide an overview of the area and also incorporate class tasks and discussions. Tasks will require you to work both individually and in groups to synthesise information, form opinions, and develop arguments. Discussions will aim to develop critical thinking, reasoning and listening skills.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 2 In this class you will act as mock-jurors, assessing evidence on a mock criminal case to come to a verdict.
Independent Learning Guided independent study 22 You will be asked to complete preparation in advance of classes to enable you to meaningfully contribute to class discussions.
Online Guided independent study 152 Guided independent study required throughout the module for your own learning and for assessment preparation.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 2 The first half of this session will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about the Expert Witness report in advance of the deadline. The second half will introduce you to assignment 2 and provide opportunity to practice developing your own essay question.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 1 This session will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions about the Comparative Essay in advance of the deadline.
Face To Face Lecture 1 Introduction to Component 1 coursework and opportunity to ask questions
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 50 3~5 Week 9 , WORDS= 2500 wds/15 min Component 1: An expert witness report on a fabricated case. The report may be written or oral but must conform to relevant standards for expert witness evidence. This will assess LOs 3 and 5.
Essay 50 1~2~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 2000 words Component 2: A comparative analysis of the contribution of psychological research to one of the topic areas covered by the module, comparing EITHER across time OR jurisdictions. This will assess LOs 1, 2 and 4.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
PSY11104 Evidence and Investigation
 

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