Introductory description

This module aims to provide a broad understanding of the role of cognitive psychology in legal contexts.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Eyewitness testimony
Eyewitness identification
Source monitoring Framework
Interogations & confessions
Deception
Children in court
Case evidence
Repressions
Juries
Revision sessions

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Discuss the ways in which psychology has been applied to the legal context;
• Demonstrate knowledge of the current state of psychology and law research;
• Compare and critically discuss the methodologies used in psychology and law;
• Discuss the topics covered in relation to theories and debates in the applied cognitive literature.

Indicative reading list

For background and an introduction to psychology and law research, students are expected to read Loftus, E. F. (1996). Eyewitness Testimony. Harvard University Press.

Other recommended texts include:

Brewer, N., & Williams, K. D. (2005). Psychology and law: An empirical perspective. NY: Guilford Press.

Cutler, B. L., & Penrod, S. D. (1995). Mistaken identification: The eyewitness, psychology, and the law. Cambridge: University Press.

Loftus, E.F., & Ketcham, K. (1991). Witness for the Defense: The Accused, the Eyewitness and the Expert Who Puts Memory on Trial. NY: St. Martin's Press.

Loftus, E.F., & Ketcham, K. (1994). The Myth of Repressed Memory. NY: St. Martin's Press.

Lynn, S.J., & McConkey, K.M. (Eds.). (1998). Truth in Memory. NY: Guilford Press.

McNally, R.J. (2003). Remembering Trauma. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.

Memon, M., Vrij, A., & Bull, R. (2003). Psychology and Law: Truthfulness, Accuracy and Credibility (2nd ed). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.

Ross, D., Read, J. D., & Toglia, M.P. (1994). Adult Eyewitness Testimony. NY: Cambridge University Press.

Rubin, D. C. (Ed.). (1995). Remembering our past: Studies in Autobiographical Memory. NY: Cambridge University Press.

Schacter, D. L. (Ed.). (1995). Memory distortion: How minds, brains, and societies reconstruct the past. Cambridge, MA, US: Harvard University Press.

Toglia, M. P., Read, J. D., Ross, D. F., & Lindsay, R. C. L. (Eds.). (2007). The handbook of eyewitness psychology: Volume 1 – Memory for events. NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Lindsay, R. C. L., Ross, D. F., Read, J. D., & Toglia, M. P. (Eds.). (2007). The handbook of eyewitness psychology: Volume 2 – Memory for people. NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Tulving, E., & Craik, F.I.M. (Eds.). (1995). The Oxford Handbook of Memory. NY: Oxford University Press.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Understand how psychology can been applied to the legal context
knowledge of the current state of psychology and law research
Understanding of current theories and debates in applied cognitive literature.

Transferable skills

Effective communication skills to develop a cogent argument supported by relevant evidence and being sensitive to the needs and expectations of an audience
Familiarity with collecting and organising stored information found in library book and journal collections, and online,
Critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources
effective personal planning skills