Forensic psychology and behavioral science focus on understanding criminal behavior, evaluating suspects, and assisting in legal proceedings. It plays a vital role in criminal profiling, witness testimony, and mental health assessments in the justice system.
1. Criminal Profiling
- Analyzes behavioral patterns to identify likely suspects.
- Used in cases of serial crimes (e.g., homicides, sexual assaults).
- Profilers study crime scenes, victimology, and offender psychology to predict suspect characteristics.
- Measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
- Determines whether a suspect is lying based on stress-induced reactions.
- Polygraphs are controversial but used in some investigations.
- Evaluates the reliability of witness statements.
- Studies show that memory can be distorted by stress, leading questions, and time delays.
- Techniques like the Cognitive Interview Method improve recall accuracy.