Post in Forensic Psychology, There

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In forensic psychology, there are a variety of ideas and insights which are used to illustrate the challenges impacting select segments of this field of study. In many cases, different forms of research are conducted in order to understand what is happening and the long-term impacts it is having on everyone. This discussion will focus on how child abuse victims are able to recall specific events and the techniques used by the police in the article titled Use of Structured Investigative Protocol. To fully understand the different ideas requires focusing on the study, the types of validity that were utilized, if it is accurate and the differences between validity/reliability. Together, these elements will highlight the underlying challenges impacting different segments of this population and the effectiveness of these techniques. (Steinberg, 2001)

Briefly describe the research study that was selected

The study is concentrating on specific techniques used by law enforcement to identify when criminal activities are directed at children. This is accomplished by focusing on the interview and the kinds of questions that were selected. During this process, there was a focus on how these areas could influence the types of answers that were provided and the long-term effects on any investigation that is conducted. (Steinberg, 2001)

Explain the types of validity and reliability relevant to this study

The types of validity and reliability are concentrating on the areas of comparative analysis using qualitative research. This is accomplished by examining the different kinds of investigative techniques utilized by law enforcement officials when they are interviewing children. Under this program, a dependent variable was established using National Institute of Child Health and Development's structured interview protocol. This is when a series of open end questions were asked to each child. The basic idea was to encourage them to open up about possible issues and discuss what was happening with investigators. (Steinberg, 2001) (Kirk, 1986)

The independent variable is when the officer was allowed to structure the interview and lead them to answer the question through making different kinds of inferences. This was achieved by looking at 400 different interviews that were accomplished over an eight-month time frame. The results were that 89% of respondents provided more information and felt comfortable about discussing their situation with investigators using National Institute of Child Health and Development's structured interview protocol. These different areas are providing validity and reliability to the study, by illustrating how researchers were able to compare the responses of children as well as the accuracy of the information provided. (Steinberg, 2001) (Kirk, 1986)

Explain whether you think the validity and reliability, as reported in the article, are accurate or suspect and why