As criminal profiling methods for jury selection

as criminal profiling, methods for jury selection, offering health solutions to offenders,
visitations of children, impacting divorce, providing treatment for drug addicts and custody
among others. Forensic psychology is far from being just a simple subfield. It is a staple in
society, the criminal justice system, and the court system.
Importance of Research Methods in Psychology
Without a doubt, scientific methods play a pivotal role in carrying out a psychological
assessment. Scientific methods are helpful because the methods are used by psychologist to
make relevant observations, collect data, then formulate theories, test different predictions to
interpret and analyze results. A skilled psychologist needs to make observations among the
participants to measure the individual behavior of clients or patients (Haig, 2019). Coming up
with theories which explain client behavior enables the research to be more reliable and valid.
Typically, scientific methods are crucial in forensic psychology as they demonstrate individuals'
social behaviors.
Psychological Research Question

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY 8
The selected psychological question for this paper is, "Are serial killers deemed
incompetent to stand trial due to legal insanity?”. When dealing with prosecution of serial killers,
courts rely heavily on forensic psychologists’ evaluation to determine a defendant’s competency
and to determine if they have plausible defense of sanity to the crimes committed (Taylor, 2019).
Due to their psychological issues, it is often perceived that they should not be held accountable
in a court of law for their actions. Many defense attorneys try to challenge competency and
present issues with mental health to explain the client’s crimes.
The Use of Scientific Methods by Psychologists
Psychologists observe the behavior patterns of serial killers to determine whether or not
serial killers are conscious of their actions. Psychology can use the scientific method to note
different mental illnesses present in serial killer (Haig, 2019). Then, a forensic psychologist can
theorize that insanity can deem serial killer defendant’s incompetent. After formulating the
hypothesis, the psychologists will test the validity of the hypothesis. A psychologist can set aside
the study participants and take notes. If the results align with the hypothesis, then the theory is
adopted.
Summary of Sources
Various findings affirm that majority of serial killers are deemed legally sane, regardless
if they suffer a psychological disorder. Although serial killers may suffer from mental disease, it
does not constitute as grounds for legal insanity. To be classified as legally insane, an individual
must be unable to comprehend that an action is against the law at the exact moment the action is
undertaken (Hugaboom, 2002). In lamest terms, serial killers must be unaware that murder is
illegal in the moment of commencement. Serial killers are actually very intelligent, who act on

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY 9