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Incorrect Psychological Evaluations: Cultural Bias & Interpretat

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No one would argue the seriousness and importance of properly conducting forensic psychological evaluations and using appropriate evaluation methods when working with the courts. For instance, in civil trials, money is often at stake. In juvenile courts, the potential rehabilitation of the accused, which will in turn affect the greater good of society, is an issue of concern. Criminal courts, on the other hand, are often the setting for the most serious outcomes of inadequate or incorrect evaluations, which in certain cases can be someone's life. For this reason, criminal courts require the highest level of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt) of the trier of fact (a judge or jury). Forensic psychological evaluations are serious matters that can have serious consequences. In this Discussion, you analyze what happens when forensic psychological evaluations are done either inadequately or incorrectly.

Please provide a description of the two real-life examples you selected. Then explain the consequences of inadequate and/or incorrect forensic psychological evaluations in criminal matters. Finally, use the examples you selected to illustrate and justify your points.

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The solution provides information, assistance and advice on the topic of incorrect psychological evaluations. Resources are listed for further exploration of the topic.

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Dear Student,
Hi and thank you for using Brainmass. The solution below should get you started. In this particular task, you are being asked to see discuss the consequences of incorrect evaluations. I suggest using this outline:
1. Importance of Evaluations - 100 words
2. Examples of incorrect evaluations - 200 words
3. Opinion - 100 words

This should give you 400 words that should cover what you need. Just let me know via the feedback section if you need further clarification. You can use the listed resources to further explore the topic. All the best with your studies.

Sincerely,
AE 105878/Xenia Jones
-----------------------------------

Incorrect Psychological Evaluations

Psychological evaluations, simply put, are tests and assessments of psychological purpose in that they explore one's mental health, personality, attitudes and psychological state. This is done in court to determine, primarily, the mental state of witnesses, the accused, the plaintiff and other individuals whose opinions and experiences impact the case directly to determine validity of claims. MRSI (n.d.) further explains, "Psychological evaluations are usually requested when there is some question about what might be troubling a particular person, or to gather information about a person's current emotional well-being, psychological or personality make-up, or academic and intellectual functioning. At the minimum, a psychological evaluation typically involves an individual interview with a psychologist ...

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Xenia Rochelle Jones, MA, PhD (IP)
Education
  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
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