Psychology and the Law

Running Head : Psychology and the Law

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The four roles that psychologists may engage in through the legal system and ethical dilemmas that arise within each role

Basic scientist

In this role , the psychologist conducts a research for personal gain The main purpose of the research is not to get results but for one to have fun and gain own knowledge and understanding . However , in spite of the research being done for personal gain , the results are sometimes

br important in trials and case studies

By performing this role an ethical dilemma arises on morality and law Psychologists are guided by morality and hence make decisions on whether the outcome is morally right or wrong . In trials the decisions made are guided by the law . The law makes the final ruling which might not be morality right in the perspective of the psychologist

Applied Scientist

In performing this role the psychologist conducts researches to solve problems in life . They study their patients ' problems in to help them achieve their personal goals . Research done is usually more intense and thus produces more results . The problems are solved through collaborative data collection and interpretation which in turn leads to the development of appropriate strategies (Schneider et al , 2005 . Most psychologists perform this role as their studies focus on getting findings , statistics and answers to the problems at hand

The ethical dilemma arises on the role of the scientific methodology whether psychology is a...