Question 1

Which of the following is an example of a criminogenic need?

Accepted Answer

Criminogenic needs are factors that increase the likelihood of criminal behavior. Alcohol abuse is an example of a criminogenic need as it can impair judgment, increase hostility, and lower inhibitions, leading to criminal behavior. Depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety, while they may contribute to criminal behavior, are not considered criminogenic needs as they are not directly related to criminal conduct.

Question 2

The LSI-R is scored on the basis of record reviews and ______.

Accepted Answer

The LSI-R is scored on the basis of record reviews and offender interviews.

Question 3

Which statement best summarizes the psychological research on solitary confinement?

Accepted Answer

Psychological research has shown that extended periods of solitary confinement can have a range of negative effects on inmates, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Correctional officers who work in these environments may also experience psychological distress as a result of the constant monitoring required in such facilities. This suggests that, while there may be situations where the use of solitary confinement is necessary, it should be used sparingly and for limited periods of time.

Question 4

A treatment model in which trained counselors work with a small group of offenders, establish therapeutic relationships, and engage them in the process of changing substance abuse behavior is called ______.

Accepted Answer

The therapeutic community model involves trained counselors working with a small group of offenders, establishing therapeutic relationships, and engaging them in the process of changing substance abuse behavior. Aftercare treatment refers to the ongoing support and treatment following completion of a primary treatment program. Multi-systemic therapy involves working with families and systems to address a range of behavior problems, not just substance abuse. Structural interviewing is a type of assessment tool used to gather information about an individual's history and experience.

Question 5

The method of treatment used in a correctional facility often depends on the ______.

Accepted Answer

The professional orientation of the clinician, such as a psychologist or social worker, will often guide the type of treatment offered in a correctional facility. Different clinicians may have different approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or group therapy.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of self-directed violence?

Accepted Answer

Self-directed violence is directed towards oneself and includes suicidal behaviors. Homicide is directed towards another person, solitary confinement and electronic monitoring are forms of external control, not self-directed violence.

Question 7

According to James Bonta, the third generation of standardized risk/needs assessment takes into consideration factors such as ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to James Bonta, the third generation...

Question 8

Which of the following is a criticism of the primary treatment approach that was used in prisons during the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

The primary criticism of the treatment approaches used in prisons during the 1960s, such as rehabilitation programs, was that the results did not effectively translate to life outside the prison. These programs often failed to prepare inmates for reintegration into society, leading to high recidivism rates.

Question 9

Imagine you are conducting an evaluation of one's competency to be executed. Which component would be the most important in your evaluation?

Accepted Answer

The clinical interview of the prisoner is crucial as it provides direct insight into the prisoner's mental state and competency, which is essential for determining their ability to understand and participate in their execution process.

Question 10

What is the American Psychological Association's stance on the mental health professional's role in evaluating an offender's competence to be executed?

Accepted Answer

The American Psychological Association's stance is that psychologists should not be the sole decision makers in deciding an offender's competence to be executed, as it should involve a multidisciplinary team approach. Additionally, they recommend that psychologists should conduct evaluations using appropriate methods and techniques, but should not participate in activities that facilitate the execution, such as videotaping the evaluation or participating in the actual execution.

Question 11

In Atkins v. Virginia (2002), the Supreme Court ruled that it was cruel and unusual punishment to execute ______.

Accepted Answer

In Atkins v. Virginia (2002), the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to execute individuals with intellectual disabilities because it violated the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The Court held that executing people with intellectual disabilities would not serve the retributive or deterrent purposes of capital punishment, and that such individuals were more vulnerable to coercion and less able to defend themselves in legal proceedings.

Question 12

What do non-criminogenic needs and criminogenic needs have in common?

Accepted Answer

Both non-criminogenic needs and criminogenic needs are dynamic factors, meaning they can change over time and are therefore responsive to treatment. However, they differ in that non-criminogenic needs are factors that are not directly related to criminal behavior, such as education or employment, while criminogenic needs are factors that are directly related to criminal behavior, such as substance abuse or antisocial attitudes. Both non-criminogenic and criminogenic needs can be addressed in treatment to reduce the risk of future criminal behavior, but they are different types of needs.

Question 13

Lawyer and scholar Fred Cohen brought attention to which prison issue relevant to correctional psychologists?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Lawyer and scholar Fred Cohen brought attention...

Question 14

Yvette Young is a psychologist at the Federal Correctional Institution, Schuylkill. Sandy Slate is a social worker at the Federal Correctional Institution, Terre Haute. Which professional is more likely to use group therapy as part of treatment and why?

Accepted Answer

Social workers, like Sandy Slate, are more likely to use group therapy as part of their treatment approach. This is because social work as a discipline often focuses on the social and environmental factors affecting individuals, and group therapy is a method that can address these aspects by fostering a sense of community and shared experience among participants.

Question 15

Research suggests that the PCL-R has which shortcoming in the treatment of psychopaths?

Accepted Answer

The PCL-R does not capture short-term reduction in psychopathic traits, which can be a shortcoming in the treatment of psychopaths. It is designed to assess psychopathic traits at a given point in time, but may not be sensitive to changes in these traits over time. This limits its usefulness in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment interventions that aim to reduce psychopathic traits.

Question 16

Psychological treatment in correctional facilities generally follows principles of ______.

Accepted Answer

Psychological treatment in correctional facilities generally follows principles of risk/needs/responsivity, which is a widely used approach in offender rehabilitation. This approach focuses on assessing the risk of reoffending, identifying the criminogenic needs that contribute to offending behavior, and providing responsivity factors that address a person's learning style, motivation, and other individual factors that can impact rehabilitation outcomes. The other options, transactional analysis, responsibility therapy, and person-centered rehabilitation, are not commonly used or recommended approaches in correctional settings.

Question 17

The PCL-R, VRAG, and the HCR-20 are psychological tests typically administered at which stage of an inmate's incarceration?

Accepted Answer

These psychological tests are typically administered at the release stage to assess the risk of reoffending and to inform decisions about parole or release conditions.

Question 18

An initial inmate screening should occur ______.

Accepted Answer

An initial inmate screening should occur as soon as possible after admission to the facility to identify any immediate medical, mental health, or safety concerns. Waiting until after the inmate has adjusted to the facility routine or after a violent incident has occurred may be too late to address any underlying issues. Waiting for the inmate to feel refreshed and revitalized is not relevant to the screening process.

Question 19

Why is it important that psychological assessment be an ongoing process?

Accepted Answer

Psychological and behavioral changes can occur throughout an inmate's incarceration due to various factors such as exposure to different environments or experiences, treatments, and interactions with other inmates and staff. Therefore, an ongoing process of psychological assessment can help identify and address these changes and their underlying causes, leading to more effective interventions and treatment plans.

Question 20

Dr. Fox is working with an inmate to help strengthen his coping skills after the death of his wife. Which category does the treatment goal fall under?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dr. Fox is working with an inmate...

Quiz 12: Correctional Psychology in Adult Settings