Profiling and Psych Evaluation

Message 270 of 579

What is the difference between profiling a person, and simply evaluating that person from a psychological point of view?

posted by MartiInMexico

Doesn't profile imply stereotyping? Judging a person from external characteristics? Age, race, sex, religion?

I would think is one is going to evaluate a person from a "psychological point of view,' that evaluation will mean talking and listening to them, testing if indicated, before coming to any conclusion about them. Treating them as an individual, not making any conclusions because they fit a certain profile of external characteristics.

posted by GothamGal
over 2 years ago

I agree that a psych profile would focus on the individual, where a profile would be based on what the "average" person of a certain age, sex, religion or whatever would be likely to be thinking.

posted by BarbInBend
over 2 years ago

I meant psych evaluation, not psych profile ... more coffee needed ...

posted by BarbInBend
over 2 years ago

When one starts talking about the 'average' person, they are a statistician, a pollster, not a psychologist. A psychologist can talk of a range or normal reactions and responses but I would hope would be bright enough not to talk in terms of what the 'average person' thinks.

posted by GothamGal
over 2 years ago

Profile = what cops do. Psych eval = what shrinks do - was gonna be my quick response, but after a bit of thought - it appears that proximity to the subject may be the determining difference factor. A profile, such as assembled by FBI "profilers" may be quite comprehensive, but is usually done from a distance, whereas even a "simple" psych eval, by definition - needs be up close and personal.