Psychopathy in the Community and Courts

Project: 77
Name: David DeMatteo (dsd25@drexel.edu; 215-762-8342)
Department: Psychology
Academic Area: Criminal Justice/Psychology

Title: Psychopathy in the Community and Courts

Description:
We are working on two projects relating to psychopathy, which is a personality disorder characterized by distinct interpersonal, behavioral, and affective characteristics. Although researchers know a considerable amount about psychopathy among criminal and forensic populations, much less is known about psychopaths in the community (including high-functioning populations). Moreover, researchers know very little about how psychopathy evidence is used in legal proceedings. Our ongoing projects will examine (1) psychopathy among a high-functioning community population, and (2) how psychopathy evidence is used in court.

Associated Independent Study:
An independent study could focus on any aspect of psychopathy among community populations or how psychopathy is used in courts.

Gained Experience:
The student would gain (1) knowledge about psychopathy in criminal and non-criminal samples, (2) legal research skills, and (3) writing experience (manuscripts, etc.).

Outcome:
It is anticipated that the results of this research will be presented at local/national conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed journals.

Tasks:
The student will conduct legal research, code legal cases, conduct relevant literature reviews, assist in data cleaning/analysis, and assist in developing presentations and manuscripts.

Location:
The work will take place in Dr. DeMatteo's lab (Bellet Bulding in Center City).

Meetings:
Meetings will be held once/week (with more frequent email communication), and work can be done on- or off-site.

Interview Availability:
April 18