Forensic Psychology Quizzes: Explore the Psychology of Crime and Justice

Question 1

What does the term 'mitigating circumstance' refer to in a legal context?

Accepted Answer

A factor that reduces the severity of a crime

Answer

A factor that enhances the severity of a crime

Answer

A factor that proves the innocence of the accused

Answer

A factor that establishes the guilt of the accused

Question 2

Which of the following psychological assessments is commonly used to evaluate risk of re-offending?

Accepted Answer

PCL-R

Answer

WAIS-IV

Answer

MMPI-2

Answer

DISC

Question 3

According to the PCL-R, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of psychopathy?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory speech

Answer

Shallow affect

Answer

Lack of remorse

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-worth

Question 4

What is the difference between 'direct' and 'indirect' victimization?

Accepted Answer

Direct victimization is experienced firsthand, while indirect victimization is witnessed or learned about.

Answer

Direct victimization involves physical harm, while indirect victimization does not.

Answer

Direct victimization is more common than indirect victimization.

Answer

There is no difference between direct and indirect victimization.

Question 5

Which of the following is a well-established psychological factor that has been linked to an increased risk of engaging in criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

High self-esteem

Answer

Strong moral values

Answer

Empathy for others

Question 6

Which psychological assessment tool is widely used by forensic psychologists to evaluate personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

MMPI-2

Answer

WAIS

Answer

TAT

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of creating a criminal profile in forensic investigations?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential suspects

Answer

To predict future criminal behavior

Answer

To provide a diagnosis for the offender

Answer

To assess the risk of reoffending

Question 8

Which ethical principle requires forensic psychologists to report situations where they believe someone may be at risk of harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 9

Which type of assessment is commonly used to evaluate an individual's risk of future violence?

Accepted Answer

Forensic risk assessment

Answer

Personality inventory

Answer

Intelligence test

Answer

Cognitive ability test

Question 10

Which of the following is a type of cognitive distortion commonly observed in criminal offenders?

Accepted Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Empathy

Answer

Altruism

Answer

Self-reflection

Question 11

What is the role of expert testimony in criminal trials?

Accepted Answer

To provide scientific evidence and opinions

Answer

To determine guilt or innocence

Answer

To offer legal advice to the jury

Answer

To represent the defendant in court

Question 12

What is a key distinction between forensic psychology and clinical psychology?

Accepted Answer

Forensic psychologists focus on legal issues

Answer

Forensic psychologists work exclusively with criminal offenders

Answer

Clinical psychologists do not use psychological assessments

Answer

Forensic psychologists are not required to have a doctorate degree

Question 13

Which psychological theory suggests that criminal behavior arises from cognitive distortions and faulty thinking patterns?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theory

Answer

Psychodynamic theory

Answer

Biological theory

Answer

Sociocultural theory

Question 14

Which assessment tool is frequently employed in forensic settings to evaluate intellectual functioning?

Accepted Answer

WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)

Answer

MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory)

Answer

Rorschach Inkblot Test

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory

Question 15

Which type of offender is characterized by a lack of empathy and remorse?

Accepted Answer

Psychopathic offender

Answer

Instrumental offender

Answer

Mixed offender

Answer

Expressive offender

Question 16

In forensic psychology, how do cultural factors influence offender assessment?

Accepted Answer

Cultural factors can shape an offender's perception of their actions and moral compass.

Accepted Answer

Language barriers can hinder communication between offender and psychologist, affecting assessment accuracy.

Accepted Answer

Cultural beliefs can influence treatment recommendations and the offender's response to them.

Answer

Cultural factors have no significant influence on forensic psychological assessments.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT considered a defining characteristic of forensic psychology?

Accepted Answer

It disregards ethical considerations in its practice

Answer

It is a multidisciplinary field that combines psychology, law, and criminology

Answer

It focuses on the psychological assessment and treatment of individuals involved in the legal system

Answer

It emphasizes research and theory development in the area of criminal behavior

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the type of expert testimony provided by forensic psychologists in court?

Accepted Answer

Opinion testimony

Answer

Character testimony

Answer

Factual testimony

Answer

Hypothetical testimony

Question 19

What is the concept of 'criminal profiling' in the field of forensic psychology?

Accepted Answer

A method for predicting the characteristics of a criminal based on their behavior and patterns

Answer

A technique used to identify potential suspects in an investigation

Answer

A form of psychological therapy for criminals

Answer

A tool for assessing the risk of re-offending

Question 20

The term used to describe the process of determining the likelihood that an individual will engage in future criminal behavior is:

Accepted Answer

Risk assessment

Answer

Probation

Answer

Sentencing

Answer

Parole

Question 21

Which psychological perspective emphasizes the influence of unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences on criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic model

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral model

Answer

Biological model

Answer

Humanistic model

Question 22

The tendency to believe information that confirms our existing beliefs is called:

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Framing bias

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a defense strategy that may be used in a criminal trial?

Accepted Answer

Intoxication plea

Answer

Insanity plea

Answer

Diminished capacity plea

Answer

Self-defense plea

Question 24

The psychological assessment that determines a defendant's ability to reason, understand, and control their conduct is called a:

Accepted Answer

Fitness to Plead Assessment

Answer

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

Answer

Psychopathy Checklist-Revised

Answer

Hare Psychopathy Checklist

Question 25

Which theoretical framework emphasizes the influence of genetics and biological factors on criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Biosocial Theory

Answer

Psychodynamic Theory

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Answer

Social Learning Theory

Question 26

The ethical principle that guides forensic psychologists to prioritize the well-being of individuals is known as:

Accepted Answer

Beneficence and Non-Malfeasance

Answer

Confidentiality and Privacy

Answer

Justice and Fairness

Answer

Autonomy and Fidelity

Question 27

The primary objective of rehabilitation in forensic psychology is to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce Future Offending

Answer

Punish the Offender

Answer

Restore the Victim

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of psychopathy?

Accepted Answer

Empathy and Remorse

Answer

Impulsivity and Irresponsibility

Answer

Superficial Charm and Grandiosity

Answer

Lack of Guilt or Shame

Question 29

In assessing an individual's credibility, forensic psychologists primarily rely on:

Accepted Answer

Behavioral Observations

Answer

Polygraph Results

Answer

Brain Imaging Scans

Answer

Social Media Posts

Question 30

In the legal system, the primary role of forensic psychologists is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide expert opinions and testimony on psychological issues related to the case.

Answer

Prepare witnesses and select juries.

Answer

Collect evidence and investigate crime scenes.

Question 31

Which psychological assessment is widely used in forensic settings to assess an individual's risk of engaging in violent behavior in the future?

Accepted Answer

Violence Risk Assessment Scale (VRAS)

Answer

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Answer

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)

Answer

Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

Question 32

Which theory in psychology proposes that criminal behavior results from an interplay of biological and environmental factors?

Accepted Answer

Biosocial Theory

Answer

Behaviorism

Answer

Psychoanalytic Theory

Question 33

In a competency-to-stand-trial evaluation, the role of a forensic psychologist is to assess an individual's:

Accepted Answer

Capacity to comprehend the legal proceedings and assist in their own defense.

Answer

Need for therapy and treatment while involved in the legal system.

Answer

Likelihood of committing future crimes.