Report Writing for Forensic Evaluation
Presented by Randy Otto, PhD, ABPP
This self-paced training program on Report Writing for Forensic Evaluations is presented by Randy Otto, PhD, ABPP.
It focuses on conducting well-constructed forensic psychological evaluations and how it is not enough to persuade judges, attorneys, and other referral sources. Examiners must also be able to effectively communicate what data they considered, what actions they took, and the opinions they formed and underlying reasoning. Because psychologists, in most cases, do not testify about their work, reports and affidavits are the vehicles they must use. Research on forensic examiners’ report-writing practices is reviewed; how forensic practice guidelines, the ethics code, and rules of evidence and procedure shape reports is considered; principles for the organization and structure of forensic reports are identified; elements of good (and bad) reports are highlighted using multiple examples. More focused matters such as the use of jargon; specificity in word choice; identifying sources of information; distinguishing between observation and inference; and common report writing errors are considered, as well. Finally, preparation of affidavits, and how their structure and substance differs from reports, is tackled.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
Describe the primary purposes of reports and affidavits that summarize their forensic evaluations
Describe the different functions of reports and affidavits
Describe common legal requirements of reports summarizing forensic psychological examinations
Describe APA’s ethics code and forensic practice guidelines shape reports summarizing forensic psychological evaluations
Describe 3 reasons to include competing hypotheses, disconfirmatory data, and alternative explanations in their reports
Practice writing reports that distinguish case facts and their inferences and opinions
Describe 2 ways to describe psychological test results in their reports
Describe definitions for various psychological constructs using language that is understandable to a lay audience
Describe common report writing errors
This is a badge-earning course, which means it will help you earn a certificate that can be showcased on digital platforms like LinkedIn.
Review Before Proceeding
Lesson 1 Video
Writing Forensic Psychological Reports
Lesson Quiz
Lesson 2 Video
Lesson Quiz
Lesson 3 Video
Lesson Quiz
Lesson 4 Video
Lesson Quiz
Lesson 5 Video
Lesson Quiz
Organizational Exercise
Writing Forensic Reports
Custom training options for groups of 5 to 500+