​Farewell August and “hello” Covid 2.0. This is proving to be a more subdued lockdown and a long haul for many. ​  ​Thankfully, we are not as limited as our Melbourne families and friends.

Since May we have rambled around Forensic Psychology and sauntered down paths depending on our interests. Recently we looked at eye-witness testimony and theories of crime.
 
The “Monkey Thief” video and questionnaire proved enlightening. We decided that few of us would make reliable eyewitnesses.
 
Theories of crime were familiar to us. Theorists variously attribute crime to genes, social difficulties, who you hang out with, and plain old free will. Laws, the design of jails, and personal attitudes (amongst other considerations) reflect one or more of these theoretical explanations. We wrapped up this topic by sharing ideas based on:

• Our individual view of crime,
• Government(s) views on crime as demonstrated in laws and funding decisions.

These were “idea joggers” for the discussion:
Description of 4 Theories of Crime  https://schoolworkhelper.net/theories-of-crime-classical-biological-sociological-interactionist/  
Explore your preferred Political Party websites - law and order policies.
Page 10 of Victorian Government (Labor) Community Safety Statement 2017 https://communitysafety.vic.gov.au/media/1072/djr001_g_css01_lr.pdf 
 
In September we will start on a topic of curious interest – the psychological profile of the current President of America. Many have struggled to make sense of his current brand of leadership. We will explore some theories/explanations and, you never know, Benalla U3A just might come up with the answer.
 
Join us next on Wednesday 2 September 10:00 to 11:45am. Use this link
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72159430694?pwd=WkVwUXI3ckJvWlc3dW1ZZm5mZzRhUT09
Meeting ID: 721 5943 0694
Passcode: 4MysKx

While Forensic Psychology still has us tantalizingly in its grasp, we took a detour on July 17th to look at “change” related to the introduction of the Melbourne/Mitchell lockdown.
 
“Change” – experienced every second of our lives and perversely avoided at all costs by many - was looked at from three perspectives - (1) individual and/or small group, (2) community, and (3) leadership. Three of many relevant theories and commentaries were the focus.

1. Prochaska and DiClemente describe 6 stages of change - ranging from “I have no need to change”, to actively introducing change, and to returning to old behavior patterns. The theory is easily applicable to every-day changes, for example, moving to a new house or introducing exercise, as well as to crisis driven change such as job losses, social distancing and wearing a mask.  
2. Jeroen Kraaijenbrink offered a “glass half full” angle on why the Covid crisis is a catalyst for community/individual change. Pragmatically, he says, we must change anyway; intellectually a crisis shows that change is possible; and socially a crisis creates energy.  
3. The hefty article Crisis Management: Leading in Constant Change (Authors/s unknown) uses a systems approach to analyzing leadership in a crisis.  

U3A could be described as a system. U3A has roles including members, committees, conveners, web, and newsletter coordinators etc. Each role has a distinct task. A change in one of these roles will be experienced to some degree throughout U3A - the system. Likewise, families are systems.
 
This article offers insights into what makes a good leader in a crisis, behavioural and operational responses, and the community ability to thrive over the long term.
 
(Find a potted summary at Demystifying Psychology Powerpoint July 19 slides 3-10)
 
Back on “Forensic” track we touched on the accuracy of eyewitness evidence. Think you would be a fairly accurate eyewitness? Watch the “Monkey Thief” video and join in the quiz (slide 12). Quiz questions and answers will be available on U3A website after 5 August.
 
Discussion on “How to Spot a Liar” was deferred. For the curious, slide 14 will take you on an insightful and curious trip with a former CIA officer as she outlines “How to Spot a Lie”. Seems our untrained eye/ear/gut does rather well at spotting a lie.
 
Discussion Part 2 delved into theories of crime and community/political responses to each (see slides 25).

1. Classical minds view crime is an act of immoral, free will that weakens society. The best response is to deter through punishment supported by more prisons and stricter laws.
2. Biological theory supposes that criminality is an inheritable gene. Find the gene(s), rid the human body of those and, if not possible, then medicate to control behaviour.
3. Sociological perspectives suggest it is who you live with and where you live, usually dysfunctional, that makes crime socially and financially worthwhile. Responses include diversion activities, introducing pro-social alternatives and alleviating poverty.
4. Interactionist theory says hanging out with criminals will likely make you one,  … and offer acceptance, social standing, and power. Responses include a belief in individual capacity for positive change and the power of pro-social interactions.

 
Not surprisingly, time ran out, so we did not view the straightforward and powerful TEDx talk by the highly regarded actor, mentor, and indigenous leader Uncle Jack Charles. Did you know? … as of September 2019, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners represented 28% of the total adult prisoner population, while accounting for 3.3% of the general population.
 
The “Monkey Thief” Eyewitness quiz and Uncle Jack’s TEDx are priorities for 5 August
 
FURTHER READING

1.  CHANGE AND COVID19

• Science and humanities experts in Monash University's Faculty of Arts offer their views on what is unfolding, the implications, and how it could reshape relationships, governments, and broader society. https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2020/04/15/1380013/how-covid-19-is-changing-the-world
• Crisis Management: Leading Constant Change. https://www.transitionmanagement.us/TMC/tmc_resources_files/44603_CH04_Final.pdf
• Lewis Ryan Dartnell is an author, presenter, and Professor of Science Communication at the University of Westminster. He is best known to the public as a popular science writer, especially for The Knowledge: How to Rebuild our World from Scratch. The following link looks at “From the extinction of the daily commute to transforming our relationship with food, Covid-19 is changing our world already – and in some ways, it looks set to get better.”  https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200629-which-lockdown-changes-are-here-to-stay

2.  EYEWITNESS QUIZ

• “Monkey Stealing”​ 

3.  HOW TO SPOT A LIE - Former CIA Officer Will Teach You How to Spot a Lie.

​4.   THEORIES OF CRIME

• Mentoring Indigenous Inmates | Uncle Jack Charles | TEDxSydney 2017.

Jane has provided these slide shows as follow up to the Zoom Sessions on Forensic Psychology.

Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group -
May 15 - Forensic Psychology (1)
June 3 - Forensic Psychology (2)

​These are powerpoint files - you will need to open Power Point (or Slides) go into Slide Show then From Beginning.  

If you can't open them - watch this space as we are going to try to find a method of uploading them to the website which will enable the  links to the videos to work.  Fingers crossed!

Ten people joined the first Demystifying Psychology “Zoom” Discussion Group on Friday 15 May. Forensic Psychology is the current topic. We started with an outline of a few basic concepts then jumped into some interesting comments and discussions. We are using the free Zoom version so at the 40-minute mark we were logged out … just as we found our rhythm.
 
All U3A members are welcome to join these discussion groups as often as you wish.  You might be interested in the topics, want to exercise the grey matter, or socialise Jetson style. (Enjoy a funny short “blast to the past” at https://youtu.be/0idWiHiasKg). Join us.
 
The relaxation of Covid19 restrictions to allow visitors to our homes is good news for non-tech members who are interested in this discussion group.  This might be an opportunity for tech-savvy members to invite a friend over to join the discussion. Of course, social distancing guidelines continue.
 
This is what happened (and was discovered) at our first discussion group.
 
Technology:

1. Ten participants worked well and there is capacity for a larger group.
2. “Zoom style” discussion group protocol was readily taken up. Muting and “hands up” (actual or the icon) when wishing to speak worked well.
3. Laptops, desktops, iPad, and tablets were used successfully.
4. Clicking the link to the discussion group is a one-step way to join in.
5. When a discussion group is timed out, click on the original link to participate in a further 40-minute discussion group time.

 
Content:

1. Forensic psychology and law are linked.
2. A Forensic Psychologist might assess a client and assist courts to interpret the assessment and its implications.
3. Forensic Psychologists work in many settings as well as courts, for example, schools, child protection, and mental health.
4. Psychopathic and sociopathic characteristics are similar (now called Antisocial Personality Disorder ASPD).
5. What is known about these characteristics comes mainly from forensic (i.e. structured) interviews with people who have come to the attention of courts etc.

 
Discussion:

• The apparent fascination for Forensic Psychology and portrayal of sociopathy and psychopathy in the TV/movie/book worlds.
• Drug dependency and choices made.

 
… and then we were timed out!!
 
Interesting reading/listening:

• TED Talk “Strange answers to the psychopath test” by Jon Ronson  2012
  https://www.ted.com/talks/jon_ronson_strange_answers_to_the_psychopath_test?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread
• Psychopathy https://blog.allpsych.com/psychopaths-dont-care-about-cute-animals/
• Psychology od stalking https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/the-psychology-of-stalking/3385910

 
Time allocation:
Forty minutes is not enough. Future groups will be extended using the method in 5 above. New extended times are:

• First Wed of each month – 10am to 12noon.  Next discussion group 3 June 2020
• Third Friday of each month – 1pm to 3pm. Next discussion group 19 June 2020

 
These extended times may not fit with some diaries. My apologies. Your contribution is welcome so please feel free to join and leave each discussion group as you need to.
 
Go to https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/demystifying-psychology for :

• How to participate
• Links for discussion groups

 
We are all doing a great job in these historical times.  Keep well.
 
Jane Rushworth
0437 621 575