Core Module Information
Module title: Assessments and Treatments

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: PSY11105
Module leader: Adam Mahoney
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:

You will learn what research and practice have shown us are criminogenic risk factors for a variety of serious offence types, about which forensic psychologists provide advice and assessment in both criminal and civil cases. You will then learn about the Structured Professional Judgement risk assessment tools that are used by forensic psychologists working in both criminal and civil cases to look for, and assess the impact of, those risk factors in individuals. You will learn about the use of other psychometric tools which enable us to construct a formulation of an individual that includes responsivity factors such as intelligence. You will be shown how to conduct a forensic interview in a manner that establishes rapport between the psychologist and the individual, while encouraging the individual to provide as much accurate, relevant information as possible about themselves, about their life experiences, and about their offending and/or harmful behaviours. Using all of the skills and knowledge that you have developed thus far, you will then interview, and conduct a Structured Professional Judgement assessment of, a fictitious but realistic serious offender. Following this, you will learn how approaches to treating and managing convicted offenders have evolved over time, and the ways in which this approach can vary between countries and between jurisdictions. You will deliver a 10-minute section of therapeutically designed material to challenge offence specific/relevant cognitions and behaviours, in a way that helps you more fully understand the theoretical concepts behind the interventions used with offenders. After each practical exercise, you will be guided in writing a reflective practice diary entry capturing your thoughts and feelings about the experience. You will have the opportunity to seek formative feedback on your reflective pieces.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts relating to criminogenic risk factors.

LO2: Demonstrate skills in a range of forensic interviewing techniques that are informed by forefront developments.

LO3: Demonstrate skills in applying a Structured Professional Judgement risk assessment tool to partially assess a fictitious but realistic offender featured in a case study.

LO4: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts relating to offending behaviour interventions for offenders.

LO5: Demonstrate skills in a range of offending behaviour intervention delivery techniques that are informed by forefront developments.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, 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: Adam Mahoney
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 14 Lectures will be held in person on campus. Information on the lectures will be made availble at the start of the trimester and further information including slides in the week prior to the lecture.
Face To Face Demonstration 6 Teaching staff will undertake demonstrations will be in class at least a week prior to assessment on the same skills. This will provide an opportunity to see a good example of the skills you will be asked to demonstrate as well as an opportunity to practice them.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 6 An integral part of this model is using and becoming familiar with the forensic assessment and treatment protocols within a safe learning environment. Relevant teaching materials will be made available prior to the workshops and discussed during the day.
Online Guided independent study 174 Reading materials and resources will be issued on Moodle during the trimester (these will also be shared via the Module leganto list at the beginning of the module should you wish more time to engage with the materials). You are expected to read and reflect on the essential reading material which can be discussed during the seminar sessions. Resources to help you to read and take productive study notes created by the University's Academic Skills team can be accessed on the module moodle page.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 35 2~3 Week 11 , WORDS= No word limit To complete all areas of SARA assessment relevant to the case study. Whilst no word limit or length is provided for this assessment, the assignment is expected to range from 5000 to 8000 words. You will be provided with a document with details and information that you must organise into the assessment structure of the SARA risk assessment tool. You will be assessed on your understanding of the assessment tool and information management. Your submission is also expected to demonstrate the relevant professional skills of being accurate, comprehensive and concise.
Practical Skills Assessment 35 2~3~5 Week 13 HOURS= 5 minutes You will deliver part of an intervention session to an offender.
Project - Written 30 1~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 1000 words You will complete a reflective practice diary entry about module learning experiences.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
PSY11105 Assessments and Treatments