Question
Assignment 2: Clinical and Forensic Assessment
Tasks:
Using resources from professional literature, explore the concepts of clinical and forensic assessments (professional literature may include relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions [.edu, .org, and .gov]):
In a minimum of 200 words, respond to the following:
The major differences in the purpose of each type of assessment, with particular emphasis on the referral question, goals for the results of the assessment, and the intended audience
The differences and similarities in the required qualifications of the person conducting each type of assessment
The differences and similarities in reliance on clinical observation and empirical research when interpreting assessment results
.The differences and similarities in informed consent
Sample paper
Clinical and Forensic Assessment
Question 1
The major differences in the purpose of each type of assessment, with particular emphasis on the referral question, goals for the results of the assessment, and the intended audience
Therapeutic assessment widely focuses on the patient seeking the services of a psychologist to obtain relief from a mental health problem such as depression, schizophrenia or a personality disorder. On the other hand, forensic assessment is conducted either at the request of an attorney or by court order to determine the facts under question in a legal matter like a lawsuit or a criminal case (Gacono, 2015). As a result, the major audiences of therapeutic assessments are the patients while those of the forensic assessment are the plaintiff and the accused in a case in a court.
Question 2
The differences and similarities in the required qualifications of the person conducting each type of assessment
An individual to qualify as a therapeutic expert, they have to obtain a masters degree in psychology, education, education therapy, social work, counseling and formal training in the ethical administration. On the other hand, an individual willing to conduct a forensic assessment must have a degree in law to have a strong base on legal issues. Moreover, he or she must be a good communicator to be in a position to express them to the attorney accordingly besides having a degree in psychology.
Question 3
The differences and similarities in reliance on clinical observation and empirical research when interpreting assessment results
Forensic assessment completely relies on the clinical results obtained in the lab to provide a way forward while therapeutic assessment does not entirely depend on the empirical research considering that each case is different and should be examined independently. However, forensic assessment is influenced by empirical research when interpreting the results (Gacono, 2015).
Question 4
The differences and similarities in informed consent
The judge and the jury entirely use the results of the assessment to make and deliver their verdicts and nothing can change after the results of the forensic assessment are out. On the other hand, the doctor may not necessarily use the results of his assessment considering that the situation may change with time.
References
Gacono, C. B. (2015). The clinical and forensic assessment of psychopathy: a practitioner’s guide. Routledge.
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