• Question: what is the difference between forensic science and forensic psychologists?

    Asked by anon-204422 to Sally, Louise on 8 Mar 2019.
    • Photo: Sally Tilt

      Sally Tilt answered on 8 Mar 2019:

      That’s a great question – I don’t know about you, but I find the word ‘forensic’ a bit unhelpful – it does’t really help me to know much more about what it is describing – but it basically refers to a link with the law.

      So, back to the question – a forensic scientist might use science to investigate a crime – they might visit a crime scene, gather evidence and scientifically examine that evidence.

      A forensic psychologist uses the science of psychology in working with people who have broken the law – either to work directly with them (which is more like the work that I do) or to make recommendations to the courts or to the police about someone who has carried out a crime.

      Hope that explains the difference – feel free to comment below if you have other questions.

    • Photo: Louise Rodgers

      Louise Rodgers answered on 11 Mar 2019:

      You’ve got a great summary from Sally there – I notice from your profile that you would like to become a forensic scientist. I am always impressed when people know so clearly what they want to do! I think those courses are very competitive, so participating in I’m a Scientist is a great thing for you to do.

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