Question 1

Forensic psychologists who conduct psychotherapy with prisoners

Accepted Answer

Forensic psychologists who conduct psychotherapy with prisoners may work collaboratively with the prison chaplain or other staff, but this is not a requirement. They may also work with competent individuals to address a range of psychological issues, not just those related to the crime for which they were incarcerated. Additionally, they may work with individuals who are not currently facing criminal charges. Therefore, all of the options listed in the answer choices are incorrect.

Question 2

According to the text,when a prisoner wants to refuse psychological treatment,

Accepted Answer

The text states that when a prisoner wants to refuse psychological treatment, the issue will be taken up by an institutional committee to protect the rights of prisoners. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are not mentioned in the text.

Question 3

Research has suggested that joint custody is contraindicated when

Accepted Answer

Joint custody can be detrimental to a child's well-being if there is a high level of conflict between the parents. This can cause stress and anxiety for the child, leading to emotional and behavioral difficulties. Therefore, joint custody is contraindicated in cases where the parents have an emotionally charged, conflictual relationship. The other options listed do not necessarily rule out joint custody as a viable option.

Question 4

The present norm in child custody cases is

Accepted Answer

Joint custody is the present norm in child custody cases, which means both parents have equal responsibility and decision-making power regarding their child's upbringing. This approach is considered beneficial for the child's overall development and allows both parents to play an active role in their child's life. Maternal or paternal custody or foster care may be considered in specific cases, but joint custody is generally preferred.

Question 5

According to the text,the research on clinical versus actuarial prediction of dangerousness

Accepted Answer

The text states that the research does not provide a clear conclusion of superiority for either the clinical or actuarial method. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Question 6

What is notable about the 2003 Supreme Court decision in Sell v.United States?

Accepted Answer

The 2003 Supreme Court decision in Sell v. United States ruled that criminal defendants with mental illness may be involuntarily medicated for the purpose of making them competent to stand trial. The court also established strict guidelines that must be followed before involuntary medication can be administered, including a determination that it is necessary for the defendant to be medicated in order to stand trial and that the medication does not have negative side effects that outweigh its benefits.

Question 7

Seth has been charged with first-degree murder,but there is some question as to whether he is competent to stand trial.Which issue below was NOT among those identified by Greene and Heilbrun (2011)to be considered by clinicians determining competency?

Accepted Answer

While understanding right from wrong is a key component in the criminal justice system, it is not specifically identified as one of the issues that must be considered when determining competency to stand trial according to Greene and Heilbrun's (2011) guidelines. The other options listed are all among those factors that should be evaluated.

Question 8

Among individuals with mental illness,_____% have no history of violence.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the percentage of individuals with mental illness who have no history of violence is around 90%. This means that the majority of individuals with mental illness do not pose a threat or danger to others. It is important to combat the harmful stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental illness, which often perpetuate the misconception that mental illness is always linked to violent behavior.

Question 9

Who can petition the court for an examination of someone they believe requires commitment?

Accepted Answer

In many jurisdictions, anyone can petition the court for an examination of someone they believe requires commitment, reflecting a broad approach to ensure individuals who may be in need of help can be assessed, regardless of the petitioner's relationship to them.

Question 10

The ultimate goal of a forensic psychologist's report in a child custody case is to

Accepted Answer

The ultimate goal of a forensic psychologist's report in a child custody case is to serve the best interests of the child, which includes ensuring a safe and stable home environment that promotes the child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Balancing the interests of all involved parties is important, but ultimately the well-being of the child should be the top priority. Serving the best interests of the party who hired the forensic psychologist or promoting the timely movement of the case through the legal system should not be the ultimate goal.

Question 11

Which of the following is an accurate statement about the right of hospitalized mental patients to refuse medication?

Accepted Answer

Patients who are capable of informed consent have the right to refuse medication, regardless of whether they are hospitalized voluntarily or involuntarily.

Question 12

During jury selection,a forensic psychologist

Accepted Answer

A forensic psychologist working with attorneys during jury selection aims to help assemble a jury that is favorable to their client's case, not necessarily to offer services to opposing attorneys.

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding competency to stand trial?

Accepted Answer

Competency to stand trial is determined by a defendant's current state of mind, not their state of mind at the time of the alleged crime. Therefore, it is possible for someone who may have been insane or sane at the time of the crime to become competent or incompetent at the time of trial.

Question 14

___________ was defined by the U.S.Supreme Court as "...sufficient present ability to consult with his [sic] attorney with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and whether he has a rational as well as factual understanding of the proceedings against him."

Accepted Answer

The definition given in the question is the legal standard for competency to stand trial, which refers to the defendant's ability to understand and participate in legal proceedings. Criminal insanity relates to the defendant's state of mind at the time of the offense, involuntary commitment involves mental illness and treatment, and legal intellectual capacity is not a recognized legal term.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the prediction of dangerousness?

Accepted Answer

Psychological evaluations for the purpose of predicting dangerousness are frequently requested by the criminal justice system. While it is true that violent acts tend to be underpredicted and the ability of laypersons to predict dangerousness is poor, the ability of psychologists to predict dangerousness is also not as strong as previously thought. However, psychological evaluations for the purpose of predicting dangerousness are still frequently requested by the criminal justice system.

Question 16

The assessment of _____ focuses on present mental state.

Accepted Answer

The assessment of competency to stand trial focuses on the present ability of the defendant to understand the legal proceedings and assist in their own defense. The assessment of insanity, on the other hand, focuses on the defendant's mental state at the time the alleged crime was committed.

Question 17

Relative to individuals without a mental disorder diagnosis,a history of violence is especially common among individuals with _____ disorders.

Accepted Answer

Multiple studies have found that individuals with substance use disorders are at a heightened risk of engaging in violent behavior. This may be due to a combination of the direct effects of certain substances on behavior, as well as the social and economic consequences of addiction. While individuals with other mental health disorders may also have an increased risk of violence compared to the general population, the association is strongest with substance use disorders.

Question 18

Which of the following was NOT one of the three primary issues that the American Psychological Association (1994)recommended be addressed in a child custody evaluation?

Accepted Answer

The three primary issues recommended by the American Psychological Association (1994) to be addressed in a child custody evaluation are the way each member of the family interacts with the others, the child's development and psychological needs, and each parent's strengths and limitations. The child's ties to relatives on either side of the family is not one of the primary issues recommended by the APA.

Question 19

Sheryl is mentally ill.As such,she can be involuntarily committed to a mental institution by the court system if she

Accepted Answer

Sheryl can be involuntarily committed if she is dangerous to self or others, if she is incapable of making responsible decisions about self-care and hospitalization, or if she requires treatment or care in a hospital. All three options are grounds for involuntary commitment in the court system.

Question 20

Under which condition below will a person who has been shown to commit a crime be held for treatment rather than punishment?

Accepted Answer

A person who is deemed not guilty by reason of insanity or receives a "guilty but mentally ill" verdict may be held for treatment rather than punishment. In both cases, it is recognized that the person's actions were influenced by a mental illness that requires treatment. Therefore, the focus is on providing mental health care rather than imposing punishment.

Quiz 19: Forensic Psychology