Psychology of Behaviour Assessment Brief 2025| University of Stirling

Assignment Brief

Purpose of this assessment

The assignment is designed to test students' understanding of psychological approaches and their application to public services and criminal behaviour.

Scenario

In 2016, a project called 'Beyond Youth Custody' found a correlation between trauma and violent crimes among young people. The project reported that 91% of young offenders have experienced trauma resulting from abuse or loss. Following this concerning report, the Ministry of Justice has taken the initiative to implement a trauma-informed practice across the agencies of the justice system (Tribunals, police, prisons, courts, youth offending services). A trauma-informed approach could be defined as a system of development that is rooted in a complete understanding of how the exposure to traumatic events and incidents may affect the users of public services (the justice system in our scenario) and impact their neurological, biological, psychological and social development (Paterson, 2014). As a civil servant, you have been tasked to present a report in which you assess the efficiency of considering psychological approaches in the justice system. Your report is expected to address the following elements.

Task 1

1. A contextual introduction that signposts the report (around 250 words)

2. Investigate psychological perspectives and how they influence behaviour (1000 words)

• Try to keep the discussion focused and concentrated here. First, read the full task and then decide on two theories you may wish to discuss, keeping in mind how they may back up and support your overall argument for the Ministry of Justice to implement trauma-informed practices.