Research and select an advanced issue in forensic psychology from the “Master List of Advanced Issues in Forensic Psychology,” in the Learning Resources that will be the topic of your Final Project throughout the course. Note: The issue may be the same issue you identified for this week’s Discussion, or you may choose a different issue from the “Master List of Advanced Issues in Forensic Psychology,” in the Learning Resources.
Consider how you would describe the issue and explain why you selected it.
Identify at least 4 scholarly resources related to your chosen issue—3 current peer-reviewed journal articles (not older than 5 years) and 1 resource from this week’s Learning Resources or from your own internet search of a scholarly resource.
Review the “Final Project Overview” document, located in the Learning Resources, to familiarize yourself with the overall requirements for the Final Project. Manage your time accordingly.
Briefly explain the background of the current advanced issue in forensic psychology you selected from the “Master List of Advanced Issues in Forensic Psychology” in the Learning Resources and why you selected it.
Identify at least one unique population impacted by your select issue.
Include at least 4 scholarly resources relevant to your chosen advanced issue—3 current peer-reviewed journal articles (not older than 5 years) and 1 different scholarly resource from this week’s Learning Resources or your own internet search of a scholarly resource.
selected this issue because it sits at the intersection of two rapidly evolving fields: psychology and technology. The challenges it presents—such as the psychological profiling of "digital offenders," the ethical implications of using personal data as evidence, and the assessment of culpability in a virtual environment—are both complex and highly relevant. As the internet continues to shape human behavior, this topic is no longer a niche area but a core component of modern forensic practice.
Unique Population Impacted
One unique population significantly impacted by this issue is adolescents and young adults. Their lives are deeply embedded in technology from a young age, making them particularly vulnerable to both perpetrating and being victimized by cybercrime. They are a unique group because their psychological development, including identity formation and social relationships, is intertwined with their online presence. Consequently, forensic psychologists may need to assess issues like peer pressure, cyberbullying, or online radicalization that are unique to this demographic, often in legal contexts related to juvenile justice.
Scholarly Resources
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article (2025): Bansal, S., Nayak, S. S., & Dave, I. (2025). The Role of Forensic Science and Digital Technology in enhancing Investigation Efficacy: An Analytical Study. Cuestiones Fisioterapias, 54(2), 2566-2592.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Article (2024): Pant, R., & Chaubey, U. (2024). Protecting Minds in the Digital Age: A Review Based Study on Psychological Impact of Cybercrime. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 12(4), 18-36.
Sample Answer
Background and Rationale for My Chosen Issue
The advanced issue I have selected for my final project is the impact of digital technology on forensic psychology, specifically regarding cybercrime and the use of digital evidence. This issue has emerged as a significant challenge for the justice system in the digital age. Unlike traditional crimes, cybercrimes often lack a physical crime scene and can be committed anonymously and across international borders. Forensic psychologists are now tasked with understanding the motivations behind online behaviors, from cyberstalking to online radicalization, and with evaluating the psychological state of individuals whose entire lives and criminal activities may be documented through digital footprints.