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The Open University

Investigating a murder with forensic psychology

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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Ever wondered about the role that psychology might play in police investigations? Would you like to investigate a fictional criminal case, working alongside a team of detectives, and explore how psychology can be applied to an investigation?In this four-week course, you’ll explore the way suspects are dealt with during a police investigation and learn about how psychology can help the police with their enquiries.You’ll become a detective investigating a murder as you join two fictional detectives working alongside a senior investigating officer.You’ll delve into the psychological skills that can help police in an investigation. You’ll learn about detecting deception, how to establish rapport, the impact of cognitive bias, and how to develop and assess an interview plan.This interactive course has been created by the experts at The Open University’s Centre for Policing Research and Learning, and Forensic Cognition Research Group.

Syllabus

  • Week 1: Introduction to the case
  • Week 2: Police suspect interviews
  • Week 3: How reliable are confessions in criminal investigations?
  • Week 4: Solving the case

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Reviews

4.5 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

4.5 rating at OpenLearn based on 15 ratings

Start your review of Investigating a murder with forensic psychology

  • Profile image for Enrique Enriquez
    Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
    17
    This module thoughtfully deconstructs the investigative process, moving beyond fictional tropes to examine the substantive psychology of suspect interviews, the construction of rapport using models like the interpersonal circumplex, and the profound implications of coercive practices on false confessions. The critical analysis of cognitive biases and the strategic use of evidence disclosure were particularly illuminating. For any employer, this demonstrated proficiency in evidence-based analytical reasoning, ethical communication strategies, and a nuanced understanding of human behavior under stress directly translates to enhanced competencies in critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and conducting rigorous, unbiased investigations.
  • Maryam Tahir Siddiqui
    1
    it was a very helpful course for me. i got to know so many thing like case investigation . as a psychology i was very interested in this and this course helped me understand key concepts of forensic psychology
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