Research and Data Analysis in Forensic Psychology

Investigação e Análise de Dados em Psicologia Forense

Course code:67125

Ana Cristina Pestana Neves

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

The present unit aims to increase knowledge and skills acquired in the first cycle of graduation, by applying them to research problems in Forensic Psychology:

• Define a research problem in Forensic Psychology, placing it in theory and analysing the evidence produced about it;
• Plan a research project congruent in terms of goals, methods for data collection and data analysis techniques;
• Meet the ethical and deontological principles in the preparation and conduct of a research project in Forensic Psychology;
• Characterize and select methods of quantitative and qualitative research in forensic psychology, identifying limitations and advantages;
• Integrate and apply and data analysis techniques adjusted to the research questions;
• Interpret and critically analyse results of quantitative and qualitative research;
• Know rules of writing and publishing of scientific papers and prepare their public presentation.

Syllabus:

1. Scientific process of scientific research in Forensic Psychology
   Research contexts and questions in Forensic Psychology
   Literature review and analysis of the state of the art
   Preparation of a research project
   Ethical and deontological principles of research in forensic psychology
2. Research Methods
   Systematic review and meta-analysis
   Quantitative and qualitative methods in Forensic Psychology - characteristics and scope of applicability.
3. Integrated Application of Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis Methods
   Revision of basic concepts and techniques: Bivariate statistical analysis; Inferential statistical analysis; Multivariate statistical analysis; content analysis
   Data analysis plans applied to research questions in Forensic Psychology: practical exercises
4. Writing and presenting scientific papers

Theoretical contents are presented in lectures. The participation of students is stimulated through interrogative method and brainstorming, using Mentimeter. Practical exercises use demonstrative method. Class material is shared in Moodle. Mini-tests are in room (10% each). Individual research project presented orally (10%) and written (30%) and individual literature review (40%). All evaluation elements are submitted through Moodle. The integration of students in the Forensic Psychology research lines is promoted. These are presented by the dissertation supervisors, so that the research projects can have a follow-up within this scope. The students will have the opportunity to attend scientific trainings: Jornadas Científicas Universitárias e Politécnicas Egas Moniz 2021 (29 and 30/04).

Suggested Bibliography:

• American Psychological Association (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington: APA.
• Brown, S., & Sleath, E. (2016). Research Methods for Forensic Psychologists: A Guide to Completing your Research Project. Oxford: Routledge.
• Roever, L. (2020). Guia prático de revisão sistemática e metanálise. Rio de Janeiro: Thieme.
• Rosenfeld, B., & Penrod, S.D. (2011). Research Methods in Forensic Psychology. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.