Category Archives: Forensic Psychology

Interesting Facts about Serial Killer Research

What is it about serial killers that fascinate us? I have to admit: I went through a stage where I was obsessed with watching documentaries serial killers. I’m not sure why exactly. Maybe I wanted to gain some insight on …

Chronic Bullying may Breed Criminal Behavior

A study, recently presented at the American Psychological Association (APA)’s Annual Convention, concluded that those who have been chronically bullied (i.e. throughout childhood and adolescence) are more likely to be convicted of a crime. The study was conducted by Michael …

“This is the Zodiac Speaking”

The Zodiac Killer crimes from the late 60s are some of the most famous unsolved cases in modern American history. The serial killer, known for his circle-cross ‘calling card,’ has been tied to four violent attacks in the San Francisco …

Eyewitness Testimony and False Confessions

Recently, 48 Hours aired an episode called “The Accuser” profiling Ryan Ferguson who, since 2005, has been serving a 40-year sentence for the second-degree murder of Kent Heitholt. Although in the fall of 2012 a judge denied granting Ferguson a …

Forensic Psychologists in Fiction and Reality

Forensic psychologists have been portrayed in fictional books, television shows and movies that capture the attention of many a reader/viewer. Films such as Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Like Minds (2006) delve into the inner mind of criminals in …

What Makes Someone a Criminal?

Earlier today, Psych Central posted an interesting article entitled “Digging into Biological, Environmental Roots of Antisocial Behavior”. It describes some of Dr. Brian Boutwell’s research that looks at, not only environmental and biological factors, but also genetic causes leading to …