Forensic Psychologist

Click for salary, education, & more: Forensic Psychologist (psicólogo forense)

Forensic psychologists are often hired to analyze witnesses and suspects in court cases. In many cases, the forensic psychologist needs to determine whether or not a person in the trial is lying using their knowledge of psychology. In this activity, you’ll be hosting a mock trial to put your forensic psychology skills to the test!

STEP 1: Find a few friends to act as suspects in your mock trial! You will be acting as a judge who uses their forensic psychology skills to find the culprit. Together, create a story for your court case that can be acted out by your friends. An example of one could be who stole the prized jewel with a sticky note representing the “jewel”

STEP 2: Now, tell your suspects to discuss which one of them will be the real culprit. Once they’ve decided, have the culprit “commit” the crime, Make sure you don’t know who’s guilty or innocent!

STEP 3: While your friends are discussing and acting out the crime, prepare for your role by researching strategies on how to tell whether or not someone is lying. Create a report of what you’ve learned so you can use it in the trial!

STEP 4: Begin your trial! Take five minutes to ask all your suspects any questions that you want to ask. As you question the suspects, write down any clues that may lead you to the culprit. Then make your guess! Were you right? If so, what led you to your decision? If not, what misled you?

STEP 5: Share your final verdict and report in the Student Showcase to build your resume as a forensic psychologist!