journal of psychology &
the behavioral sciences
Volume 2 – Issue 1 – Spring 2016

journal of psychology &
the behavioral sciences
Volume 2 – Issue 1 – Spring 2016

journal of psychology &
the behavioral sciences
Volume 2 – Issue 1 – Spring 2016

Waiting for field placement is a process full of anxiety and uncertainty. However, relatively
little research attention has been paid to this topic. The current study examined the
unexplored area of psychological and intellectual preparation for upcoming fieldwork in
criminal justice settings. The Delphi method was adopted to gather information regarding
needed preparation before fieldwork from a panel of 40 Taiwanese interns in three rounds of
questionnaires. The results identified more than 20 capacities
needed for fieldwork in four
groups of criminal justice agencies, and both Active Learning and Taking Responsibility
were rated as the top priority capacities for the four groups of criminal justice agencies. The
three most important forms of psychological preparation for the four groups of agencies
included Understanding Types of Clients, Understanding Job Descriptions, and Being Active.
Suggestions for future studies, theory building, and course design were addressed.
Keywords: capacities for fieldwork, psychological preparation for fieldwork, criminal justice

Sharo Shafaie
Deborah G. Wooldridge