Historical

Developments
in Forensic
Psychology
Unraveling the past to
understand the present
 Introduction

Definition: A specialized field applying psychological principles to the legal and criminal justice system.

Core Focus

Understanding Human Behavior

Application of Insights to Legal Issues

History of
Forensic
Psychology
Hugo Munsterburg
“A Pioneer in Forensic
Psychology”
 Hugo Munsterburg

Brief Background: Key Contributions:

Hugo Münsterberg, a pioneering figure in early Instrumental in applying psychological principles
forensic psychology during the late 19th and to legal issues.
early 20th centuries. A trailblazer in bridging the gap between
psychology and the legal system.
 Munsterburg’s Contributions

"On the Witness Stand" (1908) Key Focus Areas in the Book Impact on Forensic Psychology

Landmark work published in 1908.
Explores the application of psychological
principles to legal proceedings.
Examination of witness testimony,
perception, and memory.
Emphasis on the psychological aspects of
the legal system.
Instrumental in shaping the field's early
understanding of psychology's role in
legal contexts.
Contributed to the ongoing integration of
psychological insights into the legal
system.
 Philip Zimbardo and the Stanford Prison
Experiment

Introduction • Philip Zimbardo: Respected psychologist and professor.

The Stanford Prison • Purpose: Investigate psychological effects of power and authority.
• Setup: Participants as guards or prisoners, initially planned for two weeks.
Experiment (1971)

• Revelations: Escalation of abusive behavior and prisoner distress.

Unintended Impact • Experiment terminated after six days due to extreme outcomes.
 Lessons from the Stanford Prison Experiment
Revelations about Authority and Human Behavior:
• Power Dynamics: Stanford Prison Experiment
demonstrated the rapid emergence of power dynamics
within a simulated prison environment, showcasing the
profound impact of perceived authority on behavior.
• Abuse of Power: Participants in authoritative roles
exhibited unexpected and extreme abusive behaviors,
highlighting how individuals can succumb to negative
behaviors when placed in positions of authority.
Influence on Forensic Psychology:
• Understanding Abuse: The experiment significantly
influenced forensic psychology by providing valuable
insights into the psychology of abuse, illustrating how
situational factors can lead to maltreatment and cruelty.
• Legal Implications: The findings prompted a
reassessment of the role of authority figures in legal
contexts, contributing to a deeper understanding of the
dynamics between those in power and those under their
control.
 • Introduction:
• Distinguished figure in forensic psychology.
• Renowned for groundbreaking contributions to the field.
• Overview of Work on Eyewitness Testimony and Memory:
• Eyewitness Testimony: Loftus's research extensively focused on the
fallibility of eyewitness testimony, demonstrating how memories can
be altered or distorted over time.
Memory Manipulation: Explored the malleability of human
Elizabeth Loftus
•
memory, revealing the susceptibility of individuals to external
influences and suggestion.
• Influence on Legal Practices and Attitudes toward Eyewitness
Testimony:
• Legal Impact: Loftus's work significantly influenced legal
proceedings, challenging the traditional reliance on eyewitness
accounts as infallible evidence.
• Policy Changes: Her research prompted changes in legal practices,
leading to increased scrutiny and awareness regarding the reliability
of eyewitness testimony.
 Thank you

Jaspreet Kaur

Student ID -2924838

Instructor – Dr. Meera Iyer

Course Name- PSY-500

 Historical Study Impact on Society
Broader Impact of Forensic Historical Studies on Public
Awareness:
• Increased Understanding: Historical studies in forensic
psychology have played a crucial role in elevating public
awareness by shedding light on the intricate connections
between psychology and the legal system.
• Dissemination of Knowledge: The dissemination of
findings from key historical studies has contributed to a
more informed public, fostering a nuanced understanding
of the complexities involved in criminal behavior,
investigations, and legal proceedings.
Societal Changes Influenced by Insights from Forensic
Psychology:
• Legal Reforms: Insights from forensic psychology have
catalyzed legal reforms, with an emphasis on fair and
evidence-based practices.
• Policy Shifts: Societal attitudes toward criminal justice
have evolved, influenced by a deeper understanding of
psychological factors affecting behavior, rehabilitation,
and the overall functioning of the legal system.
 References

 Bornstein, B. H., & Kleynhans, A. J. (2019). The Evolution of Jury

Research Methods: From Hugo Munsterberg to the Modern
Age. Denver Law Review, 96(4), 813–840.
 Perry, G. (2018). The evil inside us all. New Scientist, 240(3199), 39–
41. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1016/S0262-4079(18)31849-9
 Loftus, E. F. (2019). Eyewitness testimony. Applied Cognitive
Psychology, 33(4), 498.
https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1002/acp.3542