Curricular Unit:			Code:
Models and Techniques of Psychological Assessment with Victims			983MTAV
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
1	Master	Psychology of Justice: Victims of Violence and Crime	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
Spring Semester		Portuguese/English	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
(i) To integrate methods, techniques, concepts, models, theories and knowledge in the area of forensic psychological assessment with victims; (ii) To acquire, develop and deepen knowledge and skills to perform psychological assessment and expert assessment tasks, namely to describe, explain and predict individuals’ behavior; (iii) To select appropriate methods and techniques; (iv) To determine relevant characteristics of individuals and groups through interviews, psychological testing and observation; (v) To improve oral and written communication skills; (vi) To develop a critical attitude and self-criticism, as well as to adopt ethical values.
Syllabus:
1st Unit - Introductory considerations. Psychology and Law. Clinic psychology vs. forensic psychology; Technical problems in psychological assessment; Ethical issues in psychological assessment; Forensic psychological expertise. Definition, objectives and characteristics; Stages of the expert assessment process; Recommendations on conducting expert assessments; Organization of the forensic psychological report; The psychologist as an expert witness in court. 2nd Unit – Psychological evaluation models with victims; Model multiaxial assessment Achenbach; Model of the Big Five personality factors; other proposals 3rd Unit - Psychological assessment techniques with victims; Psychological Expert Assessments: case studies: 2. Neglect and physical abuse; 3. Children exposed to interparental violence; 4. Sexual abuse victims; 5. Rape victims; 6. Spousal abuse victims; 7. Harm in civil procedure; 8. Parental responsibilities; 9. Others reports
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
1st and 2nd units - Syllabus contents focus on specific theoretical issues in the area of psychological assessment with victims, thus enabling the fulfillment of the course objectives, specifically: to integrate knowledge, skills and abilities so as to have a technical and ethical conduct; to demonstrate knowledge and skills in performing tasks in the psychology/law interface; to master the main techniques and methods used in forensic psychological assessment; 3rd unit - Syllabus contents focus on the practical application of models, theories and knowledge in the area of psychological assessment in forensic context, thus enabling the fulfillment of the course objectives, namely: to select and apply methods and techniques appropriate to forensic psychological assessment; to demonstrate oral and written communication skills of expert assessment contents; to show autonomy and responsible conduct in forensic practice.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
Teaching methodology will include theoretical lecturing, research, reading and discussion of specific references, as well as thematic debating and critical reflection. Assessment will be continuous and based on a written test, a practical essay, an oral presentation and work discussion, as well as the execution of theoretical and practical tasks in the classroom, and students’ punctuality and attendance.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
1st unit - Theoretical exposition of contents the performance area; Presentation and handling of materials used in forensic assessment; Individual and group debate of cases illustrating different problems that may constitute judicial requests; Demonstrations; Practical exercises with the aim of demonstrating knowledge and skills in performing tasks in the psychology/law interface; to master the main techniques and methodologies used in psychological assessment; 2nd unit - Theoretical exposition of contents for each area of expert assessment; Presentation of real cases (anonymous); Handling of materials used in the assessment of each specific case; Individual and group execution of expert assessments for each case; oral presentation of expert assessments based on the original expert assessment report in order to be able to integrate the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the psychological assessment; to demonstrate oral and written communication skills of assessment contents; to show autonomy and responsible conduct in practice.
Reading:
Agulhas, R. & Anciães, A. (2014). Casos práticos em Psicologia Forense. Enquadramento Legal e Avaliação Pericial. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo. BFP 343.95 Almeida, F. & Paulino, M. & (2014). Psicologia, Justiça e Ciências Forenses. Perspetivas Atuais. Lisboa: Pactor Gonçalves, M. M., Simões, M. R., & Almeida, L. S. (2017). Psicologia Clínica e da Saúde: Instrumentos de avaliação. Lisboa: Pactor. BFP 159.9.072 Machado, C., Gonçalves, M. M., Almeida, L. & Simões, M. R., (2011). Instrumentos e Contextos de Avaliação Psicológica. Vol. I. Coimbra: Editora Almedina. BFP 159.9.072 Matos, M., Gonçalves, R., & Machado, C. (2011). Manual de Psicologia Forense: Contextos, práticas e desafios. Braga: Psiquilibrios Edições. BFP 343.95 Simões, M. R., Almeida, L. S., & Gonçalves, M. M. (2017). Psicologia Forense: Instrumentos de avaliação. Lisboa: Pactor. Vieira, F., Cabral, A. S., & Saraiva, C. B. (2017). Manual de Psiquiatria Forense. Lisboa: Pactor.