SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 36
The CSI effect at university: forensic science students’
television viewing
and perceptions of ethical issues
Roslyn Weaver
a
*, Yenna Salamonson
a
, Jane Koch
a,b
and Glenn Porter
c
a
University of Western Sydney, Family and Community Health
Research Group;
b
University of
Technology, Sydney, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health;
c
University of Western Sydney,
School of Science and Health
(Received 3 January 2012; final version received 3 May 2012)
Although the so-called ‘CSI effect’ has received attention in the
literature for the
influence of forensic science television on jurors’ expectations
of evidence
admitted into trials, less research explores the influence of such
television
programs on university students enrolled in forensic science
degrees. This paper
describes the quantitative and qualitative results of a study of
forensic science
students regarding the forensic-related television programs they
watch, such as
CSI, Bones and Dexter. We asked students to share their
impressions of the
accuracy, ethics, professionalism and role models in the
programs. The results
show that forensic science students are almost universally
disparaging about the
realism of these programs and have mixed impressions of how
the programs
portray forensic science professionalism and ethics. Most
students believed that
the programs gave an unrealistic representation of the
profession to the public;
yet students were also able to identify positive elements for
recruitment and
education purposes.
Keywords: forensic science; CSI effect; students; television;
education; Australia
Introduction
Popular media have suggested that crime science television
programs such as CSI
may influence how lay jurors consider forensic evidence during
criminal trials
1–8
.
This influence has been described as the CSI effect and named
after the popular
television drama. It is suggested that jurors confuse the capacity
of forensic evidence
with the fictional idealisation of forensic evidence as portrayed
on the television
program
2
. Goodman-Delahunty and Verbrugge
4
suggest that, despite the popular
media claims, there is little objective evidence to support the
notion that crime scene
dramas such as CSI have a negative impact on jury verdicts.
Wise
5
indicated that
there are two issues relating to the ‘CSI effect’ proposition,
with each affecting either
the prosecution or defence position; (i) the jurors held an
inflated value of the
forensic evidence producing guilty verdicts
2–5,9
, or (ii) in the absence of forensic
evidence or when the evidence failed to reach the juries’
idealised expectations the
juries would acquit
2–3,5
. Evidence of the influence of the CSI effect, as claimed in the
popular media, has been mixed
1–9
.
Although the so-called CSI effect has received attention in the
literature for the
influence of CSI on jurors’ expectations of forensic evidence
admitted into criminal
*Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences
Vol. 44, No. 4, December 2012, 381–391
ISSN 0045-0618 print/ISSN 1834-562X online
� 2012 Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00450618.2012.691547
http://www.tandfonline.com
trials
1–9
, less research explores the influence of such programs on
forensic science
education. Of the work that has been done, previous research
has linked the
glamorised portrayal of forensic scientists in popular culture to
an increase in the
number of students interested in forensic science
10–13
. Although most of the more
well-known forensic science television programs are American,
the popularity of the
genre extends internationally, and many more forensic science
courses have been
established in Australia
14
and the UK
10,15
, as well as the US
14,16,17
.
Beyond the growth of the courses, other research has also raised
concerns over
whether television programs may have an adverse effect on
forensic science students.
Students may have unrealistic expectations of the course, if not
for their career as
well
11
. The CSI series generally constructs science and evidence as
infallible, and
emphasises their realism and credibility
18
. Bergslien
19
suggests that the actual teaching
of forensic science in secondary and tertiary education may
inadvertently reinforce the
CSI effect; others caution that educators may need to adjust
their teaching in response
to the television genre
11
. Undergraduates may be motivated to study forensic science
because of CSI-like programs, and this could provide the
impetus to educators to
develop resources to enhance the understanding of the basic
principles of science and
critical thinking. However, Bergslien
19
asserts that in some courses, less challenging
teaching approaches can reduce the complexity of forensic
science to a standard
laboratory activity with a clear-cut solution, as in the television
programs. Rather than
this, Bergslien suggests some teaching strategies that help
students develop realistic
expectations about how real forensic science is carried out
19
. Some researchers suggest
that educators in crime-related disciplines can combat the
inaccurate images in
popular culture by including courses on the media, to encourage
students to be more
critical about how their profession is handled in news and other
media
20
.
With mainstream media sources attributing the rise in
popularity in forensic
studies to the heightened profile of the profession because of
these shows, it is timely
to assess the ways in which forensic students engage with
popular culture depictions
of their future profession. Little work has been done in this
area, although an
American study on forensic anthropology students concluded
that there was no
difference in how many CSI-like programs were consumed by
students who wished
to pursue forensic science and those who did not
21
.
The aims of this study were to investigate the viewing habits of
a sample of
Australian forensic science students regarding the forensic-
related television
programs they watch, and their impressions of the accuracy,
ethics, professionalism
and role models in the shows. The purpose was to enhance our
understanding of how
forensic science students engage with popular images of their
profession and to
consider pedagogical implications of the findings.
Methods
Design
This study used a descriptive design to collect data on students’
perceptions of
forensic science television programs. The survey questions were
based on Czarny
et al.’s survey
22
, which explored television viewing habits of medical and
nursing
students for the purpose of considering teaching strategies for
bioethical issues in
health. They asked students about specific contemporary
television programs and
what students thought of the accuracy, bioethical issues, and
role models depicted in
the shows. In our study, we adapted this instrument to the
forensic science discipline
382 R. Weaver et al.
and included shows specific to this field: namely, CSI, CSI:
Miami, CSI: New York,
Bones, Dexter and NCIS. We chose these six programs based on
current popular
programs at the time of the survey. Students were given the
option to nominate other
forensic science television programs, and we aggregated these
data as well; however,
the overall percentage of participant-nominated shows was
small and thus not
generally reported here. Our survey included questions related
to demographics,
television viewing, and impressions of how the specific forensic
science programs
portrayed ethical and forensic science issues, as well as
professionalism and role
models. We also added questions about the image of forensic
science on television
programs. The survey concluded with a question asking if
participants had any
comments they wished to include on the topic of their
profession in popular culture.
Study setting and sample
The study took place at a large university in New South Wales,
Australia, between
March and May of 2011 in the first semester. Forensic science
students enrolled in all
years of their three-year undergraduate program participated by
completing surveys.
The university’s human research ethics committee granted
approval to conduct this
project. Surveys were anonymous, and students were informed
that their
participation in the project was voluntary.
The study was part of a larger project exploring health sciences
and forensic
science students’ impressions of how their profession is
represented in popular
culture. This paper reports the results of forensic science
students’ surveys.
Of the 215 students who were enrolled in the forensic science
program, 135 (63%)
completed the survey. Compared with all forensic students
enrolled in the program,
there were no significant differences in: (a) age (mean: 20.8
years in population versus
20.6 in sample, P¼0.889), (b) gender (68.4% females versus
68.1%, P¼0.965), and
(c) country of birth (80.9% Australian-born versus 84.4%,
P¼0.402).
Data collection and analysis
All students enrolled in the forensic science program were
invited to participate in
the study in their tutorials or lectures. A research assistant
managed the recruitment
for the study. Students were informed about the purpose of the
study and were given
an information sheet providing details of the project.
A research assistant entered the survey data into IBM SPSS
Statistics 19. The
data analysis process included descriptive statistics. As the
continuous variable age
was not normally distributed, the Mann-Whitney U-test was
used to analyse group
differences. For categorical variables, the chi-square test was
used. Statistical
significance was P 5 0.05.
We performed further data analysis to examine if there were
differences across
years in the course and: (a) TV viewing habits of forensic
science dramas; (b)
important sources of information for participants for bioethical
issues. No
statistically significant group differences were uncovered
between years of enrolment
and TV viewing habits or participants’ self-report of important
sources of
information for bioethical issues.
Following quantitative data analysis, the members of the
research team
individually read the qualitative data and then discussed the
data with each other.
These data were drawn from responses to the final survey
question: Is there anything
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 383
else you want to tell us about forensic television shows or
forensic science role models?
We also included any comments students wrote on their surveys
to explain their
other answers further. A research assistant entered the
participants’ comments into
Microsoft Word. The qualitative data analysis involved team
members organising
the data by themes in a conventional content analysis approach
23
and discussing as a
group, and we have used the data in this paper to elaborate on
the quantitative
results. Participants’ quotations have been corrected for spelling
or readability where
needed, and are presented here in numerical codes with year of
enrolment.
Results
Table 1 presents the demographics of the study participants.
The average age was
20.6 (SD 4.4), and approximately two-thirds of the sample were
female (68.1%).
Most students were born in Australia (84.4%) and just over half
were in paid
employment (57.0%); only one nominated working in forensic-
or police-related
employment.
Participants’ television viewing
The majority of the students had watched television in the past
year (98.5%), ranging
from sports (58.5%) to movies (97.0%). Forensic science shows
were watched by
91.1% of the sample. Of these forensic science programs, NCIS
(81.1%) and CSI
(79.8%) had been viewed by the most students at some stage.
Around two-thirds had
seen CSI: Miami, Bones, and Dexter. However, the most
frequently watched shows
(at least once a week) were NCIS, Bones and Dexter.
Approximately a third reported
watching the top five most-frequently watched shows with
family or friends.
Participants’ television viewing habits are summarised in Table
2.
Table 1. Characteristics of forensic student participants (n ¼
135).
Characteristic
Age, mean (SD) years (Range: 17 to 46 years) 20.6 (4.4)
Sex, Female % 68.1
Country of birth, Australia % 84.4
Language spoken at home: English-speaking only % 82.2
Participating in part-time/paid employment during semester,
Yes % 57.0
Table 2. Television viewing habits of forensic science students
of forensic science dramas.
Forensic drama
Ever
watched (%)
Watched�once/
week (%)
Watched with
family or friends (%)
NCIS 81.1 27.9 50.9
CSI 79.8 19.3 44.7
CSI: Miami 66.0 12.3 34.7
Bones 64.7 24.5 39.8
Dexter 61.9 24.8 33.0
CSI: New York 47.6 5.8 21.1
Criminal Minds 10.4 8.9 6.7
NCIS: LA 7.4 5.2 5.9
384 R. Weaver et al.
Ethical issues recalled by students from TV shows
When students were provided with a list of 12 ethical issues and
asked if they
remembered seeing any on the television programs, 65.2% to
80.0% of the sample
reported seeing these issues. The most commonly recalled
topics were contamination
of evidence, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and evidence
integrity. Students were
then asked to rate how each issue was handled overall on the
shows, and could
choose from: Poor, Below Average, OK, and Best. The most
common rating for
these issues was Poor. Only three topics rated as OK, namely:
evidence integrity,
death and dying, and quality or value of life (Table 3).
When asked to rate the accuracy on a six-point Likert scale of
how the top six
programs depicted ethical and forensic science issues, students
rated these shows
with a median of 1 to 2 (0¼Not at all accurate, 5¼Very
accurate). The qualitative
data supported this, with students at times scathing of the shows
– ‘inaccurate
rubbish’ (Student 3, Year 1) – or suggesting that the programs
give unrealistic ideas
about the consequences for unethical behaviour. As one student
stated, ‘TV show
characters aren’t exactly going to get fired for not taking
responsibility or
contaminating evidence but, in reality of course you would get
fired’ (Student 86,
Year 1). Others were critical of the inaccuracy of the forensic
science aspects, with
one student saying: ‘I think the things they do on the shows are
mostly correct, but
the main difference is time. As on the show they figure
everything out in a few days,
but normally it can take weeks, months or even years to figure
out the crime’
(Student 48, Year 1). Another participant added, ‘TV shows
always give the
misperception that forensics/science is easy and that we do
more than we legally can’
(Student 119, Year 2).
Despite the negative views that most students had about the
accuracy, some
students could find value in watching the shows. Thus, even
when acknowledging the
shortcomings of the shows, some participants appreciated that
the programs
generate interest in their field: ‘Forensic TV shows are a good
way of getting people
into the profession but lack truth in what really goes behind the
scenes’ (Student 47,
Year 1). Similarly, another wrote ‘Gives an idea of different
types of forensics you
can go in to but not accurate/realistic in what they actually do
beyond the general
role’ (Student 6, Year 1).
Table 3. Recall of ethical issues on television forensic drama
and ratings.
Ethical issue
Recall
(Yes) %
Most common
rating %
Contamination of evidence 80.0 Poor 37.0
Conflict of interest 80.0 Poor 33.3
Confidentiality 80.0 Poor & below average (tie) 33.3
Evidence integrity 80.0 OK 32.4
Professional misconduct 77.8 Poor 37.1
Death and dying 77.8 OK 32.4
Evidence continuity 77.0 Poor 37.5
Informed consent 76.3 Poor 35.0
Quality or value of life 74.1 OK 43.0
Lying under oath in court 71.9 Poor 33.0
Forensic errors 71.1 Poor 41.7
Education for healthcare professionals 65.2 Poor 44.3
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 385
Another participant criticised the shows but saw an educational
element: ‘I think
that it is good in the sense that they make people think, but bad
in the sense that they
exploit the science and aren’t true to it, cause people spend
their whole lives trying to
learn this stuff and they just throw it around like it doesn’t
matter’ (Student 5,
Year 1). One student found more of value, writing, ‘watching
forensic television
shows I learn more about techniques and critical thinking
towards ethical and
practical views’ (Student 125, Year 2).
Almost half (49.6%) the students said that they had been asked
for their opinion
by friends or family members on an ethical or forensic science
issue they had viewed
on a television show. One participant wrote that ‘They ask if the
science is true’
(Student 5, Year 1). In regard to discussing the ethical and
forensic science issues on
TV programs with their friends only, less than half (40.5%) of
the students reported
that they had done this.
When presented with a range of sources that might inform
students about
bioethical issues, students ranked their university school of
sciences as the most
important (67.7%). Other important sources included family
(54.3%) and friends
(40.0%). Television dramas rated as important for only 3% of
the sample (Figure 1).
Professionalism
The surveys included a list of six professional ideals:
responsibility; altruism/honesty/
integrity; caring and compassion; respect; accountability; and
leadership. Most
students (approximately 80%) remembered viewing these on the
forensic science
programs, and the majority believed that they were positively
depicted.
Despite these positive ratings, the qualitative comments
highlighted some
negative aspects around professionalism, with one participant
noting ‘TV shows
Figure 1. Important sources of information selected by
participants for bioethical issues.
386 R. Weaver et al.
set unrealistic standards or over simplify work with a lack of
professionalism’
(Student 75, Year 3).
Role models
We provided the students with a list of the major characters in
each of the six
programs and asked them to choose the characters they wanted
most and least to be
like in their own forensic science careers. They could also
nominate other characters.
The most popular characters were Abby Sciuto from NCIS
(37.8%), and
Temperance Brennan from Bones (23.7%). Dexter Morgan from
Dexter was also
a popular character (19.3%), although slightly more students
disliked him as a role
model (20.7%), and we note here, of course, that Dexter
obviously differs from other
characters by operating as both hero (a highly-skilled forensic
scientist) and antihero
(a vigilante serial killer). The most unpopular character was
Horatio Caine from
CSI: Miami (24.4%), as rated by the students (Figure 2).
The qualitative data elaborated on these results, with some
students explaining
that they admired the skills of specific characters but not
necessarily their other
traits. For example, although Temperance Brennan, Jack
Hodgins (Bones) and Abby
Sciuto were popular choices for role models, one participant
indicated that this was
‘Skillwise but not people wise’ (Student 5, Year 1). The
polarised views about Dexter
Morgan as a role model are encapsulated in one participant who
chose Dexter as a
Figure 2. Forensic drama characters: role models in professional
career.
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 387
role model but noted, rather obviously, ‘Without being a serial
killer’ (Student 17,
Year 1).
Some students also indicated in the open-ended answers that
they found role
models beyond those in television programs, with one student
reflecting on the
importance of real-life inspirations: ‘A girl from the forensic
services group came in
to my work and I would most want to be like her. Not some
actress’ (Student 133,
Year 2). Another confirmed that superior role models are found
outside popular
culture, writing ‘The best role models are the people working in
the profession’
(Student 73, Year 2). These points reflect the fact that the
participants’ comments
were usually very negative about the realism and accuracy of
these shows.
The image of forensic science in television shows
The surveys asked students what they thought of how forensic
science was portrayed
on television. Although most students believed the shows
portrayed their profession
as exciting (98.4%) and positive (92.9%), they also thought the
programs gave an
unrealistic representation of the real science (78.4%).
Furthermore, just over half
(51.6%) believed that there should be less forensic science
characters on crime shows,
and about the same percentage (47.6%) felt that the characters
were not good role
models. In addition, the majority (80.8%) believed that TV
shows give the public
wrong ideas about what forensic scientists actually do.
These views were reflected in the open-ended answers, where
students were often
negative about the public perception of forensic science because
of television. Even
those who enjoyed the shows often qualified this enjoyment
with a warning about the
misinformation caused by the shows in the public: ‘Forensic
science TV shows are
fun and interesting to watch, however they do at times give
false representations
about what forensic science in real life is about’ (Student 37,
Year 1). Others
confirmed this, saying ‘I think people often get the wrong idea
about forensics’
(Student 110, Year 2), or: ‘Detectives and forensic investigators
& many numerous
roles in TV convince the general public that it is all one job’
(Student 121, Year 2).
Some comments raised the danger of inaccurate portrayals of
forensic science on
television, with one participant writing that ‘Television shows
give people the wrong
idea. When evidence is put to court, the jury will want all the
evidence to point to the
suspect before they will convict them as that is what happens on
the shows’ (Student
11, Year 2).
Discussion
This study confirms previous research in other disciplines that
most students watch
their profession on television, with other studies showing that
most medical and
nursing students watch medical programs
22,24
. As the participants noted, one of the
positive elements of these shows is that portraying forensic
science in popular
television programs can enhance recruitment and provide ideas
about the spectrum
of technologies and specialties available in the career. The
participants’ comments
about this topic (‘Forensic TV shows are a good way of getting
people into the
profession’) confirm the research pointing to the positive aspect
of these shows in
attracting people who may otherwise be unaware of the
profession
11,14–17
.
Given almost half our sample discussed ethical or science issues
from television
programs with family or friends, it is possible to see the value
of exploring the shows
388 R. Weaver et al.
in forensic science curricula. Given the importance of teaching
ethics well in forensic
science
13
, this may be seen as an effective strategy of teaching ethical
issues in an
engaging way. It would appear that the participants in our study
were well able to
remember ethical important issues from the programs, such as
contamination of
evidence, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and evidence
integrity. This is not to
suggest that television is an important source of information for
them; as it is, the
results show students rank television extremely low as an
influence. The participants
in this project, moreover, are enrolled in a course designed to
challenge them to
consider issues associated with forensic science reliability, such
as methods of
expressing forensic findings, effects of contextual bias from
police investigators and
defence counsel, contamination issues, evidence integrity and
continuity, statistical
representation and inference, and visual communication in
forensic science, which
are important issues to cover in any forensic science curricula.
However, most participants indicated that the depiction of
science on television
was inaccurate and unrealistic. This finding seems to contradict
previous research
that raises concerns that students in forensic science may have
unrealistic and
exaggerated ideas of what their jobs will entail because of
television programs
11,20
.
Just as the CSI effect in jurors is a disputed notion and can lack
evidence to support
it
25,26
, we suggest that students are more sceptical of these shows
than researchers or
educators might assume. Yet although participants criticised the
science, ethics and
role models provided by the programs, our results show that
most students watch the
television programs and find them to be positive representations
of forensic science,
and can enjoy watching them. Their critiques also indicate that
television images of
forensic science can help in some ways their learning of
science, and ethical issues,
and also the development of their professional identity to some
extent.
The positive assessment of forensic science professionalism on
television by
students (80%) is unexpected, given it is possible to see
deviations from professional
ideals at many times across forensic science programs. Yet this
finding perhaps
reflects the narrative construction of many forensic science
characters as honourable,
and committed to seeking justice for victims of crime. The
popularity of some
characters over others may explain this, with role models such
as Brennan and
Hodgins (Bones) and Abby (NCIS) noteworthy for their high
skills and intellect,
despite their unusual personality quirks. We suggest that the
higher level of
popularity for Abby might well be explained by the fact that the
character is young
and female, which largely reflects the cohort we surveyed. This
is not to imply that
students primarily find role models in fiction or even prefer
them. It is worth
emphasising here that some participants’ comments give more
credence to role
models from within the forensic science industry, and this is
reflected in the finding
that almost half the sample believed television characters were
poor role models in
general. Indeed, more than half the students actually felt there
should be less forensic
science characters in crime shows, which perhaps suggests that
they believe the
forensic science profession is over-represented in popular
culture – or, at the very
least, is represented in such narrow or inaccurate ways that it
would be preferable to
avoid it entirely.
Although previous research has addressed the CSI effect at
some length in the
context of jurors’ expectations of forensic evidence, there is
less work that explores
this topic in university students. One of the strengths of this
study is that it provides
some answers for educators interested in how university
students regard the popular
image of forensic science. Despite educators’ concerns, it
appears that forensic
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 389
science students – at least in our sample – are well able to
distinguish fact from
fiction and indeed are rather critical of the televisual
representations of forensic
science. A further strength is the mixed methods approach,
which allows the
qualitative data to enhance and elaborate on the quantitative
data in ways that are
sometimes lacking in other research.
The limitations of this study include being limited to one cohort
of students in
one university and thus it cannot be representative of all
forensic science students.
This research could be undertaken in other institutions
elsewhere to explore any
differences and similarities. We also acknowledge that our data
deal solely with
students’ perceptions of professionalism and that their
understanding of professional
behaviour is consequently likely to be evolving. Students’ field
and work experience
may also play a role in this. The qualitative data were also
limited to those students
who chose to write short responses to the survey questions.
Richer data could be
elicited with interviews.
Future research, therefore, could use in-depth qualitative
interviews with
students to explore this area further. Future studies could
explore students’ reasons
for their choice of forensic science. It would be interesting to
compare the retention
of those students whose entry into their course was influenced
by CSI-like programs
with those who were not, although such research relies on
students’ awareness of this
factor, which is necessarily difficult to measure. Closer analysis
of the shows
themselves and also research evaluating the effectiveness of
including courses on
media representations in forensic science education would help
to further build our
understanding of this important area of the images of forensic
science in popular
culture.
Acknowledgements
This project received funding from the University of Western
Sydney Research Grant Scheme.
Thank you to the students who participated in this project, and
also to Maricris Algoso,
Charmaine Miranda, and Ashleigh-Leane Gibbs for data
collection and data entry.
References
1. Podlas K. ‘The CSI effect’: exposing the media myth.
Fordham Intell Prop Media & Ent L
J. 2006;16:429–465.
2. Cole SA, Dioso-Villa R. Investigating the ‘CSI effect’ effect:
media and litigation crisis in
criminal law. Stan L Rev. 2008–2009;61:1335–1374.
3. Goodman-Delahunty J, Tait D. DNA and the changing face of
justice. Aust J Forensic
Sci. 2006;8:97–106.
4. Goodman-Delahunty J, Verbrugge H. Reality, fantasy and the
truth about CSI effects.
InPsych. 2010;2:18–19.
5. Wise J. Providing the CSI treatment: criminal justice
practitioners and the CSI effect.
CICJ. 2010;21:383–399.
6. Harriss C. The evidence doesn’t lie: genre literacy and the
‘CSI’ effect. J Pop Film Televis.
2011;39:5–11.
7. Shelton DE, Kim YS, Barak G. A study of juror expectations
and demands concerning
scientific evidence: does the ‘CSI Effect’ exist? Vanderbilt J of
Entertainment and Tech
Law. 2006;9:331–368.
8. Thomas AP. The CSI effect: fact or fiction. Yale L J.
2006;115:70–72.
9. Tyler TR. Is the CSI effect good science? Yale L J.
2006;115:73–75.
10. New Engineering Foundation. Preparing for the future:
applied and vocational science
provision at an intermediate level in further education colleges.
London, 2008.
11. Durnal EW. Crime scene investigation (as seen on TV).
Forensic Sci Int. 2010;199:1–5.
390 R. Weaver et al.
12. Colgan C. Teaching forensics, then and now. Edu Dig.
2002;68:59–61.
13. Capsambelis CR. So your student wants to be a crime scene
technician? JCJE.
2002;13:113–127.
14. Kobus H, Liddy M. University forensic science programs: a
student attraction strategy or
a value-adding partnership with industry? Forensic Sci Pol
Manag. 2009;1:125–129.
15. Mennell J. The future of forensic and crime scene science:
part II. A UK perspective on
forensic science education. Forensic Sci Int. 2006;157:S13–S20.
16. Cooley CM. Reforming the forensic science community to
avert the ultimate injustice.
Stan L & Pol Rev. 2004;15:381–436.
17. Houck MM. CSI: Reality. Sci Am. 2006;295:84–89.
18. Cavender G, Deutsch SK. CSI and moral authority: the
police and science. Crime Media
Cult 2007;3:67–81.
19. Bergslien E. Teaching to avoid the ‘CSI effect’. J Chem
Educ. 2006;83:609–691.
20. Anderson JF, Mangels NJ, Langsam AH. The challenges of
teaching criminological
theory: can academia deliver what the media promises? Crim
Justice Stud Crit J Crime
Law Soc. 2009;22:223–236.
21. McManus SE. Influence of the CSI effect on education and
mass media. Department of
Anthropology. MA thesis. Orlando: University of Central
Florida; 2010.
22. Czarny MJ, Faden RR, Nolan MT, Bodensiek E, Sugarman
J. Medical and nursing
students’ television viewing habits: potential implications for
bioethics. Am J Bioeth.
2008;8:1–8.
23. Hsieh H-F, Shannon SE. Three approaches to qualitative
content analysis. Qual Health
Res. 2005;15:1277–1288.
24. Weaver R, Wilson I. Australian medical students’
perceptions of professionalism and
ethics in medical television programs. BMC Med Educ.
2011;11.50:1–6.
25. Brickell W. Is it the CSI effect or do we just distrust juries.
Crim Just. 2008;23:10–17.
26. Holmgren JA, Fordham J. The CSI effect and the Canadian
and the Australian jury. J
Forensic Sci. 2011;56:S63–S71.
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 391
Copyright of Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences is the
property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content
may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a
listserv without the copyright holder's express
written permission. However, users may print, download, or
email articles for individual use.
WRTG 391
Summary of Research Study Findings
Instructions:
In WRTG 391, you will eventually write a synthesis of sources
essay. In writing this essay, you
will conduct significant research for scholarly sources through
the UMUC Library and
Information Services interface.
In many cases, scholarly articles report the findings of a
research study. The article will provide
an introduction to the topic, review previous literature on the
topic, and then explain the
methodology, findings, and conclusions of the study.
The first assignment for this class, the Summary of Research
Study Findings, helps get you
started in finding scholarly articles and, specifically, research
studies. In this assignment, you
will find four articles from scholarly journals. Each of them
will report on a research
study.
You will show the findings of your studies in a format given to
you. When you complete the
form, the information will provide a summary of your research
in locating the four articles.
Please use the format on the following page. You can copy and
paste the information on the
following pages into a Word document and then fill the
information in.
Using the guidelines provided by the video and the template,
please post a rough draft of your
Summary of Research Findings as your instructor directs you.
After receiving feedback from
your instructor on your Summary of Research Findings, please
use the comments from your
instructor in revising the draft.
Your Topic _________________________
Article #1:
Author(s) and title of the article and the name of the journal:
Key terms in the article (list at least 5 terms):
Focus of study: This can be 3-4 sentences.
Conclusions of the author(s): This can be 1-2 sentences.
Your observations of what you learned about your topic from
this article and from this research study.
Please write 100-150 words for each article.
Article #2:
Author(s) and title of the article and the name of the journal:
Key terms in the article (list at least 5 terms):
Focus of study: This can be 3-4 sentences.
Conclusions of the author(s): This can be 1-2 sentences.
Your observations of what you learned about your topic from
this article and from this research study.
Please write 100-150 words for each article.
Article #3:
Author(s) and title of the article and the name of the journal:
Key terms in the article (list at least 5 terms):
Focus of study: This can be 3-4 sentences.
Conclusions of the author(s): This can be 1-2 sentences.
Your observations of what you learned about your topic from
this article and from this research study.
Please write 100-150 words for each article.
Article #4:
Author(s) and title of the article and the name of the journal:
Key terms in the article (list at least 5 terms):
Focus of study: This can be 3-4 sentences.
Conclusions of the author(s): This can be 1-2 sentences.
Your observations of what you learned about your topic from
this article and from this research study.
Please write 100-150 words for each article.
Part 1
Read the The CSI Effect at University article, imagine that this
is one of your articles for your critical annotated bibliography.
Please complete the following in responding to this discussion
thread:
1. List the article in APA format, as the second video describes.
2. Write a 150-to-200-word summary/critique of the article in
which you not only summarize the article but also note any
strengths or weaknesses you find in it.
Part 2
This discussion thread is designed to help you become familiar
with OneSearch. OneSearch is a service that is available
through UMUC’s Library and Information Services website. It
allows a user to locate scholarly articles and other resources
through a single search engine.
Please watch library tutorial #1.
Then respond to this discussion thread by answering the
following question and completing the following task:
1. What topic are you considering for your critical annotated
bibliography? In other words, on what general area of interest
are you going to locate 12 scholarly articles?
“ Negative Effects Childhood Obesity”
2. Find one article for your annotated bibliography using the
tips mentioned in the tutorial. Then list the source in APA
format and write your summary/critique of 150-200 words.
Part 3
Read assignment file
Video links
Video 2
http://polaris.umuc.edu/de/csi/2011_11_WRTG_391/a3_bibliogr
aphy_a01.html
library tutorial #1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-sAimlKuZE
Forensic Students' Views on TV Shows

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Ähnlich wie Forensic Students' Views on TV Shows

Rough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Consideration.docx
Rough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Consideration.docxRough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Consideration.docx
Rough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Consideration.docxwrite4
 
Black Hole Essay. The Universe of Black Holes - Free Essay Example PapersOwl...
Black Hole Essay. The Universe of Black Holes - Free Essay Example  PapersOwl...Black Hole Essay. The Universe of Black Holes - Free Essay Example  PapersOwl...
Black Hole Essay. The Universe of Black Holes - Free Essay Example PapersOwl...Shalonda Jefferson
 
Perception of Student Offenders on Deterrence Theory
Perception of Student Offenders on Deterrence TheoryPerception of Student Offenders on Deterrence Theory
Perception of Student Offenders on Deterrence Theoryijtsrd
 
HLT 362 V GCU Quiz 11. When a researcher uses a random sam
HLT 362 V GCU Quiz 11. When a researcher uses a random samHLT 362 V GCU Quiz 11. When a researcher uses a random sam
HLT 362 V GCU Quiz 11. When a researcher uses a random samSusanaFurman449
 
Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...
Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...
Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...PUBLISHERJOURNAL
 
Running head CRITIQUE QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE, OR MIXED METHODS.docx
Running head CRITIQUE QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE, OR MIXED METHODS.docxRunning head CRITIQUE QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE, OR MIXED METHODS.docx
Running head CRITIQUE QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE, OR MIXED METHODS.docxtodd271
 
Factors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within...
Factors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within...Factors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within...
Factors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within...Susan Tullis
 
9Studying Vulnerable PopulationsLearning Objectives.docx
9Studying Vulnerable PopulationsLearning Objectives.docx9Studying Vulnerable PopulationsLearning Objectives.docx
9Studying Vulnerable PopulationsLearning Objectives.docxblondellchancy
 
NUS talk-interpreting Chinese element.pptx
NUS talk-interpreting Chinese element.pptxNUS talk-interpreting Chinese element.pptx
NUS talk-interpreting Chinese element.pptxjiahepeng1972
 
Level of Consciousness and Health Protocols at Home among Students of Polytec...
Level of Consciousness and Health Protocols at Home among Students of Polytec...Level of Consciousness and Health Protocols at Home among Students of Polytec...
Level of Consciousness and Health Protocols at Home among Students of Polytec...AJHSSR Journal
 
Final methods epidemiology
Final methods epidemiologyFinal methods epidemiology
Final methods epidemiologybhavisha patel
 
Doctors of Tomorrow – A Pipeline Program for Getting a Head Start in Medicine
Doctors of Tomorrow – A Pipeline Program for Getting a Head Start in MedicineDoctors of Tomorrow – A Pipeline Program for Getting a Head Start in Medicine
Doctors of Tomorrow – A Pipeline Program for Getting a Head Start in Medicineinventionjournals
 
MTEX-UNIMAS -Yee.pdf
MTEX-UNIMAS -Yee.pdfMTEX-UNIMAS -Yee.pdf
MTEX-UNIMAS -Yee.pdfYeeYeeKyaing1
 
Principles organization and_operation_of_a_dna_bank
Principles organization and_operation_of_a_dna_bankPrinciples organization and_operation_of_a_dna_bank
Principles organization and_operation_of_a_dna_bankEspirituanna
 
remote_research_visits_final_digital_health
remote_research_visits_final_digital_healthremote_research_visits_final_digital_health
remote_research_visits_final_digital_healthAlyssa Tethal
 
Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...
Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...
Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...Pydesalud
 
Question study design
Question study designQuestion study design
Question study designAnisur Rahman
 
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docxBHANU281672
 
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docxlorainedeserre
 

Ähnlich wie Forensic Students' Views on TV Shows (20)

Rough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Consideration.docx
Rough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Consideration.docxRough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Consideration.docx
Rough Draft Qualitative Research Critique and Ethical Consideration.docx
 
Black Hole Essay. The Universe of Black Holes - Free Essay Example PapersOwl...
Black Hole Essay. The Universe of Black Holes - Free Essay Example  PapersOwl...Black Hole Essay. The Universe of Black Holes - Free Essay Example  PapersOwl...
Black Hole Essay. The Universe of Black Holes - Free Essay Example PapersOwl...
 
Perception of Student Offenders on Deterrence Theory
Perception of Student Offenders on Deterrence TheoryPerception of Student Offenders on Deterrence Theory
Perception of Student Offenders on Deterrence Theory
 
A Survey of Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, Desire and Behavior among University...
A Survey of Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, Desire and Behavior among University...A Survey of Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, Desire and Behavior among University...
A Survey of Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, Desire and Behavior among University...
 
HLT 362 V GCU Quiz 11. When a researcher uses a random sam
HLT 362 V GCU Quiz 11. When a researcher uses a random samHLT 362 V GCU Quiz 11. When a researcher uses a random sam
HLT 362 V GCU Quiz 11. When a researcher uses a random sam
 
Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...
Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...
Awareness, Approach and Practice of Youth towards preclusion of Sexually Tran...
 
Running head CRITIQUE QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE, OR MIXED METHODS.docx
Running head CRITIQUE QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE, OR MIXED METHODS.docxRunning head CRITIQUE QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE, OR MIXED METHODS.docx
Running head CRITIQUE QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE, OR MIXED METHODS.docx
 
Factors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within...
Factors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within...Factors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within...
Factors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within...
 
9Studying Vulnerable PopulationsLearning Objectives.docx
9Studying Vulnerable PopulationsLearning Objectives.docx9Studying Vulnerable PopulationsLearning Objectives.docx
9Studying Vulnerable PopulationsLearning Objectives.docx
 
NUS talk-interpreting Chinese element.pptx
NUS talk-interpreting Chinese element.pptxNUS talk-interpreting Chinese element.pptx
NUS talk-interpreting Chinese element.pptx
 
Level of Consciousness and Health Protocols at Home among Students of Polytec...
Level of Consciousness and Health Protocols at Home among Students of Polytec...Level of Consciousness and Health Protocols at Home among Students of Polytec...
Level of Consciousness and Health Protocols at Home among Students of Polytec...
 
Final methods epidemiology
Final methods epidemiologyFinal methods epidemiology
Final methods epidemiology
 
Doctors of Tomorrow – A Pipeline Program for Getting a Head Start in Medicine
Doctors of Tomorrow – A Pipeline Program for Getting a Head Start in MedicineDoctors of Tomorrow – A Pipeline Program for Getting a Head Start in Medicine
Doctors of Tomorrow – A Pipeline Program for Getting a Head Start in Medicine
 
MTEX-UNIMAS -Yee.pdf
MTEX-UNIMAS -Yee.pdfMTEX-UNIMAS -Yee.pdf
MTEX-UNIMAS -Yee.pdf
 
Principles organization and_operation_of_a_dna_bank
Principles organization and_operation_of_a_dna_bankPrinciples organization and_operation_of_a_dna_bank
Principles organization and_operation_of_a_dna_bank
 
remote_research_visits_final_digital_health
remote_research_visits_final_digital_healthremote_research_visits_final_digital_health
remote_research_visits_final_digital_health
 
Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...
Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...
Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...
 
Question study design
Question study designQuestion study design
Question study design
 
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
 
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
2WEEK 2-ASSIGNMENTResearch Article SummariesMagdalyn38RE.docx
 

Mehr von mehek4

Accident Up Ahead!Listen to this text being read aloud by a hu.docx
Accident Up Ahead!Listen to this text being read aloud by a hu.docxAccident Up Ahead!Listen to this text being read aloud by a hu.docx
Accident Up Ahead!Listen to this text being read aloud by a hu.docxmehek4
 
Access the annual report provided in Course Materials to complete .docx
Access the annual report provided in Course Materials to complete .docxAccess the annual report provided in Course Materials to complete .docx
Access the annual report provided in Course Materials to complete .docxmehek4
 
Access the Internet to acquire a copy of the most recent annual re.docx
Access the Internet to acquire a copy of the most recent annual re.docxAccess the Internet to acquire a copy of the most recent annual re.docx
Access the Internet to acquire a copy of the most recent annual re.docxmehek4
 
Acc 290 Final Exam MCQs) Which financial statement is used to de.docx
Acc 290 Final Exam MCQs) Which financial statement is used to de.docxAcc 290 Final Exam MCQs) Which financial statement is used to de.docx
Acc 290 Final Exam MCQs) Which financial statement is used to de.docxmehek4
 
AC2760Week 2 Assignment.docx
AC2760Week 2 Assignment.docxAC2760Week 2 Assignment.docx
AC2760Week 2 Assignment.docxmehek4
 
AC1220 Lab 5.1IntroductionJake determines that owning the .docx
AC1220 Lab 5.1IntroductionJake determines that owning the .docxAC1220 Lab 5.1IntroductionJake determines that owning the .docx
AC1220 Lab 5.1IntroductionJake determines that owning the .docxmehek4
 
Abstract(Provide the main generalizable statement resulting .docx
Abstract(Provide the main generalizable statement resulting .docxAbstract(Provide the main generalizable statement resulting .docx
Abstract(Provide the main generalizable statement resulting .docxmehek4
 
Abusive relationships are at the core of the Coetzee novel, whether .docx
Abusive relationships are at the core of the Coetzee novel, whether .docxAbusive relationships are at the core of the Coetzee novel, whether .docx
Abusive relationships are at the core of the Coetzee novel, whether .docxmehek4
 
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufano,.docx
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufano,.docxAbraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufano,.docx
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufano,.docxmehek4
 
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufan.docx
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufan.docxAbraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufan.docx
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufan.docxmehek4
 
A.Da la correcta conjugación para cada oración.(Give the corre.docx
A.Da la correcta conjugación para cada oración.(Give the corre.docxA.Da la correcta conjugación para cada oración.(Give the corre.docx
A.Da la correcta conjugación para cada oración.(Give the corre.docxmehek4
 
Abraham Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the greatest .docx
Abraham Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the greatest .docxAbraham Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the greatest .docx
Abraham Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the greatest .docxmehek4
 
About half of the paid lobbyists in Washington are former government.docx
About half of the paid lobbyists in Washington are former government.docxAbout half of the paid lobbyists in Washington are former government.docx
About half of the paid lobbyists in Washington are former government.docxmehek4
 
ABC sells 400 shares of its $23 par common stock for $27. The entry .docx
ABC sells 400 shares of its $23 par common stock for $27. The entry .docxABC sells 400 shares of its $23 par common stock for $27. The entry .docx
ABC sells 400 shares of its $23 par common stock for $27. The entry .docxmehek4
 
ABC company is increasing its equity by selling additional shares to.docx
ABC company is increasing its equity by selling additional shares to.docxABC company is increasing its equity by selling additional shares to.docx
ABC company is increasing its equity by selling additional shares to.docxmehek4
 
A.The unification of previously fractious and divided Arab tribes.docx
A.The unification of previously fractious and divided Arab tribes.docxA.The unification of previously fractious and divided Arab tribes.docx
A.The unification of previously fractious and divided Arab tribes.docxmehek4
 
A.Escribe la forma correcta del verbo en españolNosotros siem.docx
A.Escribe la forma correcta del verbo en españolNosotros siem.docxA.Escribe la forma correcta del verbo en españolNosotros siem.docx
A.Escribe la forma correcta del verbo en españolNosotros siem.docxmehek4
 
A.Both countries fought for independence from Great Britain, b.docx
A.Both countries fought for independence from Great Britain, b.docxA.Both countries fought for independence from Great Britain, b.docx
A.Both countries fought for independence from Great Britain, b.docxmehek4
 
a.A patent purchased from J. Miller on January 1, 2010, for a ca.docx
a.A patent purchased from J. Miller on January 1, 2010, for a ca.docxa.A patent purchased from J. Miller on January 1, 2010, for a ca.docx
a.A patent purchased from J. Miller on January 1, 2010, for a ca.docxmehek4
 
A.) Imagine that astronomers have discovered intelligent life in a n.docx
A.) Imagine that astronomers have discovered intelligent life in a n.docxA.) Imagine that astronomers have discovered intelligent life in a n.docx
A.) Imagine that astronomers have discovered intelligent life in a n.docxmehek4
 

Mehr von mehek4 (20)

Accident Up Ahead!Listen to this text being read aloud by a hu.docx
Accident Up Ahead!Listen to this text being read aloud by a hu.docxAccident Up Ahead!Listen to this text being read aloud by a hu.docx
Accident Up Ahead!Listen to this text being read aloud by a hu.docx
 
Access the annual report provided in Course Materials to complete .docx
Access the annual report provided in Course Materials to complete .docxAccess the annual report provided in Course Materials to complete .docx
Access the annual report provided in Course Materials to complete .docx
 
Access the Internet to acquire a copy of the most recent annual re.docx
Access the Internet to acquire a copy of the most recent annual re.docxAccess the Internet to acquire a copy of the most recent annual re.docx
Access the Internet to acquire a copy of the most recent annual re.docx
 
Acc 290 Final Exam MCQs) Which financial statement is used to de.docx
Acc 290 Final Exam MCQs) Which financial statement is used to de.docxAcc 290 Final Exam MCQs) Which financial statement is used to de.docx
Acc 290 Final Exam MCQs) Which financial statement is used to de.docx
 
AC2760Week 2 Assignment.docx
AC2760Week 2 Assignment.docxAC2760Week 2 Assignment.docx
AC2760Week 2 Assignment.docx
 
AC1220 Lab 5.1IntroductionJake determines that owning the .docx
AC1220 Lab 5.1IntroductionJake determines that owning the .docxAC1220 Lab 5.1IntroductionJake determines that owning the .docx
AC1220 Lab 5.1IntroductionJake determines that owning the .docx
 
Abstract(Provide the main generalizable statement resulting .docx
Abstract(Provide the main generalizable statement resulting .docxAbstract(Provide the main generalizable statement resulting .docx
Abstract(Provide the main generalizable statement resulting .docx
 
Abusive relationships are at the core of the Coetzee novel, whether .docx
Abusive relationships are at the core of the Coetzee novel, whether .docxAbusive relationships are at the core of the Coetzee novel, whether .docx
Abusive relationships are at the core of the Coetzee novel, whether .docx
 
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufano,.docx
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufano,.docxAbraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufano,.docx
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufano,.docx
 
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufan.docx
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufan.docxAbraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufan.docx
Abraham, J., Sick, B., Anderson, J., Berg, A., Dehmer, C., & Tufan.docx
 
A.Da la correcta conjugación para cada oración.(Give the corre.docx
A.Da la correcta conjugación para cada oración.(Give the corre.docxA.Da la correcta conjugación para cada oración.(Give the corre.docx
A.Da la correcta conjugación para cada oración.(Give the corre.docx
 
Abraham Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the greatest .docx
Abraham Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the greatest .docxAbraham Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the greatest .docx
Abraham Lincoln is considered by many historians to be the greatest .docx
 
About half of the paid lobbyists in Washington are former government.docx
About half of the paid lobbyists in Washington are former government.docxAbout half of the paid lobbyists in Washington are former government.docx
About half of the paid lobbyists in Washington are former government.docx
 
ABC sells 400 shares of its $23 par common stock for $27. The entry .docx
ABC sells 400 shares of its $23 par common stock for $27. The entry .docxABC sells 400 shares of its $23 par common stock for $27. The entry .docx
ABC sells 400 shares of its $23 par common stock for $27. The entry .docx
 
ABC company is increasing its equity by selling additional shares to.docx
ABC company is increasing its equity by selling additional shares to.docxABC company is increasing its equity by selling additional shares to.docx
ABC company is increasing its equity by selling additional shares to.docx
 
A.The unification of previously fractious and divided Arab tribes.docx
A.The unification of previously fractious and divided Arab tribes.docxA.The unification of previously fractious and divided Arab tribes.docx
A.The unification of previously fractious and divided Arab tribes.docx
 
A.Escribe la forma correcta del verbo en españolNosotros siem.docx
A.Escribe la forma correcta del verbo en españolNosotros siem.docxA.Escribe la forma correcta del verbo en españolNosotros siem.docx
A.Escribe la forma correcta del verbo en españolNosotros siem.docx
 
A.Both countries fought for independence from Great Britain, b.docx
A.Both countries fought for independence from Great Britain, b.docxA.Both countries fought for independence from Great Britain, b.docx
A.Both countries fought for independence from Great Britain, b.docx
 
a.A patent purchased from J. Miller on January 1, 2010, for a ca.docx
a.A patent purchased from J. Miller on January 1, 2010, for a ca.docxa.A patent purchased from J. Miller on January 1, 2010, for a ca.docx
a.A patent purchased from J. Miller on January 1, 2010, for a ca.docx
 
A.) Imagine that astronomers have discovered intelligent life in a n.docx
A.) Imagine that astronomers have discovered intelligent life in a n.docxA.) Imagine that astronomers have discovered intelligent life in a n.docx
A.) Imagine that astronomers have discovered intelligent life in a n.docx
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen

APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across SectorsAPM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across SectorsAssociation for Project Management
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxiammrhaywood
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13Steve Thomason
 
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesSeparation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesFatimaKhan178732
 
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityParis 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityGeoBlogs
 
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxContemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxRoyAbrique
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactdawncurless
 
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxMENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxPoojaSen20
 
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxHow to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxmanuelaromero2013
 
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfArihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfchloefrazer622
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxheathfieldcps1
 
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxCARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxGaneshChakor2
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfsanyamsingh5019
 
mini mental status format.docx
mini    mental       status     format.docxmini    mental       status     format.docx
mini mental status format.docxPoojaSen20
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentInMediaRes1
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionSafetyChain Software
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...EduSkills OECD
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (20)

TataKelola dan KamSiber Kecerdasan Buatan v022.pdf
TataKelola dan KamSiber Kecerdasan Buatan v022.pdfTataKelola dan KamSiber Kecerdasan Buatan v022.pdf
TataKelola dan KamSiber Kecerdasan Buatan v022.pdf
 
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across SectorsAPM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
APM Welcome, APM North West Network Conference, Synergies Across Sectors
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
 
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesSeparation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
 
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityParis 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
 
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxContemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
 
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docxMENTAL     STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
MENTAL STATUS EXAMINATION format.docx
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxHow to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
 
Staff of Color (SOC) Retention Efforts DDSD
Staff of Color (SOC) Retention Efforts DDSDStaff of Color (SOC) Retention Efforts DDSD
Staff of Color (SOC) Retention Efforts DDSD
 
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfArihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
 
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxCARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
 
mini mental status format.docx
mini    mental       status     format.docxmini    mental       status     format.docx
mini mental status format.docx
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
 

Forensic Students' Views on TV Shows

  • 1. The CSI effect at university: forensic science students’ television viewing and perceptions of ethical issues Roslyn Weaver a *, Yenna Salamonson a , Jane Koch a,b and Glenn Porter c a University of Western Sydney, Family and Community Health Research Group; b University of Technology, Sydney, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health; c University of Western Sydney, School of Science and Health (Received 3 January 2012; final version received 3 May 2012)
  • 2. Although the so-called ‘CSI effect’ has received attention in the literature for the influence of forensic science television on jurors’ expectations of evidence admitted into trials, less research explores the influence of such television programs on university students enrolled in forensic science degrees. This paper describes the quantitative and qualitative results of a study of forensic science students regarding the forensic-related television programs they watch, such as CSI, Bones and Dexter. We asked students to share their impressions of the accuracy, ethics, professionalism and role models in the programs. The results show that forensic science students are almost universally disparaging about the realism of these programs and have mixed impressions of how the programs portray forensic science professionalism and ethics. Most students believed that the programs gave an unrealistic representation of the profession to the public; yet students were also able to identify positive elements for recruitment and education purposes. Keywords: forensic science; CSI effect; students; television; education; Australia Introduction Popular media have suggested that crime science television programs such as CSI may influence how lay jurors consider forensic evidence during
  • 3. criminal trials 1–8 . This influence has been described as the CSI effect and named after the popular television drama. It is suggested that jurors confuse the capacity of forensic evidence with the fictional idealisation of forensic evidence as portrayed on the television program 2 . Goodman-Delahunty and Verbrugge 4 suggest that, despite the popular media claims, there is little objective evidence to support the notion that crime scene dramas such as CSI have a negative impact on jury verdicts. Wise 5 indicated that there are two issues relating to the ‘CSI effect’ proposition, with each affecting either the prosecution or defence position; (i) the jurors held an inflated value of the forensic evidence producing guilty verdicts 2–5,9 , or (ii) in the absence of forensic
  • 4. evidence or when the evidence failed to reach the juries’ idealised expectations the juries would acquit 2–3,5 . Evidence of the influence of the CSI effect, as claimed in the popular media, has been mixed 1–9 . Although the so-called CSI effect has received attention in the literature for the influence of CSI on jurors’ expectations of forensic evidence admitted into criminal *Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences Vol. 44, No. 4, December 2012, 381–391 ISSN 0045-0618 print/ISSN 1834-562X online � 2012 Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00450618.2012.691547 http://www.tandfonline.com trials 1–9 , less research explores the influence of such programs on forensic science
  • 5. education. Of the work that has been done, previous research has linked the glamorised portrayal of forensic scientists in popular culture to an increase in the number of students interested in forensic science 10–13 . Although most of the more well-known forensic science television programs are American, the popularity of the genre extends internationally, and many more forensic science courses have been established in Australia 14 and the UK 10,15 , as well as the US 14,16,17 . Beyond the growth of the courses, other research has also raised concerns over whether television programs may have an adverse effect on forensic science students. Students may have unrealistic expectations of the course, if not for their career as well 11 . The CSI series generally constructs science and evidence as infallible, and
  • 6. emphasises their realism and credibility 18 . Bergslien 19 suggests that the actual teaching of forensic science in secondary and tertiary education may inadvertently reinforce the CSI effect; others caution that educators may need to adjust their teaching in response to the television genre 11 . Undergraduates may be motivated to study forensic science because of CSI-like programs, and this could provide the impetus to educators to develop resources to enhance the understanding of the basic principles of science and critical thinking. However, Bergslien 19 asserts that in some courses, less challenging teaching approaches can reduce the complexity of forensic science to a standard laboratory activity with a clear-cut solution, as in the television programs. Rather than this, Bergslien suggests some teaching strategies that help students develop realistic expectations about how real forensic science is carried out 19 . Some researchers suggest
  • 7. that educators in crime-related disciplines can combat the inaccurate images in popular culture by including courses on the media, to encourage students to be more critical about how their profession is handled in news and other media 20 . With mainstream media sources attributing the rise in popularity in forensic studies to the heightened profile of the profession because of these shows, it is timely to assess the ways in which forensic students engage with popular culture depictions of their future profession. Little work has been done in this area, although an American study on forensic anthropology students concluded that there was no difference in how many CSI-like programs were consumed by students who wished to pursue forensic science and those who did not 21 . The aims of this study were to investigate the viewing habits of a sample of Australian forensic science students regarding the forensic- related television programs they watch, and their impressions of the accuracy, ethics, professionalism and role models in the shows. The purpose was to enhance our understanding of how forensic science students engage with popular images of their
  • 8. profession and to consider pedagogical implications of the findings. Methods Design This study used a descriptive design to collect data on students’ perceptions of forensic science television programs. The survey questions were based on Czarny et al.’s survey 22 , which explored television viewing habits of medical and nursing students for the purpose of considering teaching strategies for bioethical issues in health. They asked students about specific contemporary television programs and what students thought of the accuracy, bioethical issues, and role models depicted in the shows. In our study, we adapted this instrument to the forensic science discipline 382 R. Weaver et al. and included shows specific to this field: namely, CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, Bones, Dexter and NCIS. We chose these six programs based on current popular programs at the time of the survey. Students were given the option to nominate other
  • 9. forensic science television programs, and we aggregated these data as well; however, the overall percentage of participant-nominated shows was small and thus not generally reported here. Our survey included questions related to demographics, television viewing, and impressions of how the specific forensic science programs portrayed ethical and forensic science issues, as well as professionalism and role models. We also added questions about the image of forensic science on television programs. The survey concluded with a question asking if participants had any comments they wished to include on the topic of their profession in popular culture. Study setting and sample The study took place at a large university in New South Wales, Australia, between March and May of 2011 in the first semester. Forensic science students enrolled in all years of their three-year undergraduate program participated by completing surveys. The university’s human research ethics committee granted approval to conduct this project. Surveys were anonymous, and students were informed that their participation in the project was voluntary. The study was part of a larger project exploring health sciences and forensic science students’ impressions of how their profession is represented in popular culture. This paper reports the results of forensic science
  • 10. students’ surveys. Of the 215 students who were enrolled in the forensic science program, 135 (63%) completed the survey. Compared with all forensic students enrolled in the program, there were no significant differences in: (a) age (mean: 20.8 years in population versus 20.6 in sample, P¼0.889), (b) gender (68.4% females versus 68.1%, P¼0.965), and (c) country of birth (80.9% Australian-born versus 84.4%, P¼0.402). Data collection and analysis All students enrolled in the forensic science program were invited to participate in the study in their tutorials or lectures. A research assistant managed the recruitment for the study. Students were informed about the purpose of the study and were given an information sheet providing details of the project. A research assistant entered the survey data into IBM SPSS Statistics 19. The data analysis process included descriptive statistics. As the continuous variable age was not normally distributed, the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyse group differences. For categorical variables, the chi-square test was used. Statistical significance was P 5 0.05. We performed further data analysis to examine if there were differences across years in the course and: (a) TV viewing habits of forensic
  • 11. science dramas; (b) important sources of information for participants for bioethical issues. No statistically significant group differences were uncovered between years of enrolment and TV viewing habits or participants’ self-report of important sources of information for bioethical issues. Following quantitative data analysis, the members of the research team individually read the qualitative data and then discussed the data with each other. These data were drawn from responses to the final survey question: Is there anything Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 383 else you want to tell us about forensic television shows or forensic science role models? We also included any comments students wrote on their surveys to explain their other answers further. A research assistant entered the participants’ comments into Microsoft Word. The qualitative data analysis involved team members organising the data by themes in a conventional content analysis approach 23 and discussing as a group, and we have used the data in this paper to elaborate on the quantitative results. Participants’ quotations have been corrected for spelling
  • 12. or readability where needed, and are presented here in numerical codes with year of enrolment. Results Table 1 presents the demographics of the study participants. The average age was 20.6 (SD 4.4), and approximately two-thirds of the sample were female (68.1%). Most students were born in Australia (84.4%) and just over half were in paid employment (57.0%); only one nominated working in forensic- or police-related employment. Participants’ television viewing The majority of the students had watched television in the past year (98.5%), ranging from sports (58.5%) to movies (97.0%). Forensic science shows were watched by 91.1% of the sample. Of these forensic science programs, NCIS (81.1%) and CSI (79.8%) had been viewed by the most students at some stage. Around two-thirds had seen CSI: Miami, Bones, and Dexter. However, the most frequently watched shows (at least once a week) were NCIS, Bones and Dexter. Approximately a third reported watching the top five most-frequently watched shows with family or friends. Participants’ television viewing habits are summarised in Table 2. Table 1. Characteristics of forensic student participants (n ¼
  • 13. 135). Characteristic Age, mean (SD) years (Range: 17 to 46 years) 20.6 (4.4) Sex, Female % 68.1 Country of birth, Australia % 84.4 Language spoken at home: English-speaking only % 82.2 Participating in part-time/paid employment during semester, Yes % 57.0 Table 2. Television viewing habits of forensic science students of forensic science dramas. Forensic drama Ever watched (%) Watched�once/ week (%) Watched with family or friends (%) NCIS 81.1 27.9 50.9 CSI 79.8 19.3 44.7 CSI: Miami 66.0 12.3 34.7 Bones 64.7 24.5 39.8 Dexter 61.9 24.8 33.0 CSI: New York 47.6 5.8 21.1 Criminal Minds 10.4 8.9 6.7 NCIS: LA 7.4 5.2 5.9 384 R. Weaver et al.
  • 14. Ethical issues recalled by students from TV shows When students were provided with a list of 12 ethical issues and asked if they remembered seeing any on the television programs, 65.2% to 80.0% of the sample reported seeing these issues. The most commonly recalled topics were contamination of evidence, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and evidence integrity. Students were then asked to rate how each issue was handled overall on the shows, and could choose from: Poor, Below Average, OK, and Best. The most common rating for these issues was Poor. Only three topics rated as OK, namely: evidence integrity, death and dying, and quality or value of life (Table 3). When asked to rate the accuracy on a six-point Likert scale of how the top six programs depicted ethical and forensic science issues, students rated these shows with a median of 1 to 2 (0¼Not at all accurate, 5¼Very accurate). The qualitative data supported this, with students at times scathing of the shows – ‘inaccurate rubbish’ (Student 3, Year 1) – or suggesting that the programs give unrealistic ideas about the consequences for unethical behaviour. As one student stated, ‘TV show characters aren’t exactly going to get fired for not taking responsibility or contaminating evidence but, in reality of course you would get fired’ (Student 86,
  • 15. Year 1). Others were critical of the inaccuracy of the forensic science aspects, with one student saying: ‘I think the things they do on the shows are mostly correct, but the main difference is time. As on the show they figure everything out in a few days, but normally it can take weeks, months or even years to figure out the crime’ (Student 48, Year 1). Another participant added, ‘TV shows always give the misperception that forensics/science is easy and that we do more than we legally can’ (Student 119, Year 2). Despite the negative views that most students had about the accuracy, some students could find value in watching the shows. Thus, even when acknowledging the shortcomings of the shows, some participants appreciated that the programs generate interest in their field: ‘Forensic TV shows are a good way of getting people into the profession but lack truth in what really goes behind the scenes’ (Student 47, Year 1). Similarly, another wrote ‘Gives an idea of different types of forensics you can go in to but not accurate/realistic in what they actually do beyond the general role’ (Student 6, Year 1). Table 3. Recall of ethical issues on television forensic drama and ratings. Ethical issue Recall (Yes) %
  • 16. Most common rating % Contamination of evidence 80.0 Poor 37.0 Conflict of interest 80.0 Poor 33.3 Confidentiality 80.0 Poor & below average (tie) 33.3 Evidence integrity 80.0 OK 32.4 Professional misconduct 77.8 Poor 37.1 Death and dying 77.8 OK 32.4 Evidence continuity 77.0 Poor 37.5 Informed consent 76.3 Poor 35.0 Quality or value of life 74.1 OK 43.0 Lying under oath in court 71.9 Poor 33.0 Forensic errors 71.1 Poor 41.7 Education for healthcare professionals 65.2 Poor 44.3 Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 385 Another participant criticised the shows but saw an educational element: ‘I think that it is good in the sense that they make people think, but bad in the sense that they exploit the science and aren’t true to it, cause people spend their whole lives trying to learn this stuff and they just throw it around like it doesn’t matter’ (Student 5, Year 1). One student found more of value, writing, ‘watching forensic television shows I learn more about techniques and critical thinking towards ethical and practical views’ (Student 125, Year 2). Almost half (49.6%) the students said that they had been asked
  • 17. for their opinion by friends or family members on an ethical or forensic science issue they had viewed on a television show. One participant wrote that ‘They ask if the science is true’ (Student 5, Year 1). In regard to discussing the ethical and forensic science issues on TV programs with their friends only, less than half (40.5%) of the students reported that they had done this. When presented with a range of sources that might inform students about bioethical issues, students ranked their university school of sciences as the most important (67.7%). Other important sources included family (54.3%) and friends (40.0%). Television dramas rated as important for only 3% of the sample (Figure 1). Professionalism The surveys included a list of six professional ideals: responsibility; altruism/honesty/ integrity; caring and compassion; respect; accountability; and leadership. Most students (approximately 80%) remembered viewing these on the forensic science programs, and the majority believed that they were positively depicted. Despite these positive ratings, the qualitative comments highlighted some negative aspects around professionalism, with one participant noting ‘TV shows
  • 18. Figure 1. Important sources of information selected by participants for bioethical issues. 386 R. Weaver et al. set unrealistic standards or over simplify work with a lack of professionalism’ (Student 75, Year 3). Role models We provided the students with a list of the major characters in each of the six programs and asked them to choose the characters they wanted most and least to be like in their own forensic science careers. They could also nominate other characters. The most popular characters were Abby Sciuto from NCIS (37.8%), and Temperance Brennan from Bones (23.7%). Dexter Morgan from Dexter was also a popular character (19.3%), although slightly more students disliked him as a role model (20.7%), and we note here, of course, that Dexter obviously differs from other characters by operating as both hero (a highly-skilled forensic scientist) and antihero (a vigilante serial killer). The most unpopular character was Horatio Caine from CSI: Miami (24.4%), as rated by the students (Figure 2). The qualitative data elaborated on these results, with some students explaining that they admired the skills of specific characters but not
  • 19. necessarily their other traits. For example, although Temperance Brennan, Jack Hodgins (Bones) and Abby Sciuto were popular choices for role models, one participant indicated that this was ‘Skillwise but not people wise’ (Student 5, Year 1). The polarised views about Dexter Morgan as a role model are encapsulated in one participant who chose Dexter as a Figure 2. Forensic drama characters: role models in professional career. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 387 role model but noted, rather obviously, ‘Without being a serial killer’ (Student 17, Year 1). Some students also indicated in the open-ended answers that they found role models beyond those in television programs, with one student reflecting on the importance of real-life inspirations: ‘A girl from the forensic services group came in to my work and I would most want to be like her. Not some actress’ (Student 133, Year 2). Another confirmed that superior role models are found outside popular culture, writing ‘The best role models are the people working in the profession’ (Student 73, Year 2). These points reflect the fact that the participants’ comments were usually very negative about the realism and accuracy of
  • 20. these shows. The image of forensic science in television shows The surveys asked students what they thought of how forensic science was portrayed on television. Although most students believed the shows portrayed their profession as exciting (98.4%) and positive (92.9%), they also thought the programs gave an unrealistic representation of the real science (78.4%). Furthermore, just over half (51.6%) believed that there should be less forensic science characters on crime shows, and about the same percentage (47.6%) felt that the characters were not good role models. In addition, the majority (80.8%) believed that TV shows give the public wrong ideas about what forensic scientists actually do. These views were reflected in the open-ended answers, where students were often negative about the public perception of forensic science because of television. Even those who enjoyed the shows often qualified this enjoyment with a warning about the misinformation caused by the shows in the public: ‘Forensic science TV shows are fun and interesting to watch, however they do at times give false representations about what forensic science in real life is about’ (Student 37, Year 1). Others confirmed this, saying ‘I think people often get the wrong idea about forensics’ (Student 110, Year 2), or: ‘Detectives and forensic investigators & many numerous
  • 21. roles in TV convince the general public that it is all one job’ (Student 121, Year 2). Some comments raised the danger of inaccurate portrayals of forensic science on television, with one participant writing that ‘Television shows give people the wrong idea. When evidence is put to court, the jury will want all the evidence to point to the suspect before they will convict them as that is what happens on the shows’ (Student 11, Year 2). Discussion This study confirms previous research in other disciplines that most students watch their profession on television, with other studies showing that most medical and nursing students watch medical programs 22,24 . As the participants noted, one of the positive elements of these shows is that portraying forensic science in popular television programs can enhance recruitment and provide ideas about the spectrum of technologies and specialties available in the career. The participants’ comments about this topic (‘Forensic TV shows are a good way of getting people into the profession’) confirm the research pointing to the positive aspect of these shows in attracting people who may otherwise be unaware of the profession
  • 22. 11,14–17 . Given almost half our sample discussed ethical or science issues from television programs with family or friends, it is possible to see the value of exploring the shows 388 R. Weaver et al. in forensic science curricula. Given the importance of teaching ethics well in forensic science 13 , this may be seen as an effective strategy of teaching ethical issues in an engaging way. It would appear that the participants in our study were well able to remember ethical important issues from the programs, such as contamination of evidence, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and evidence integrity. This is not to suggest that television is an important source of information for them; as it is, the results show students rank television extremely low as an influence. The participants in this project, moreover, are enrolled in a course designed to challenge them to consider issues associated with forensic science reliability, such as methods of expressing forensic findings, effects of contextual bias from police investigators and
  • 23. defence counsel, contamination issues, evidence integrity and continuity, statistical representation and inference, and visual communication in forensic science, which are important issues to cover in any forensic science curricula. However, most participants indicated that the depiction of science on television was inaccurate and unrealistic. This finding seems to contradict previous research that raises concerns that students in forensic science may have unrealistic and exaggerated ideas of what their jobs will entail because of television programs 11,20 . Just as the CSI effect in jurors is a disputed notion and can lack evidence to support it 25,26 , we suggest that students are more sceptical of these shows than researchers or educators might assume. Yet although participants criticised the science, ethics and role models provided by the programs, our results show that most students watch the television programs and find them to be positive representations of forensic science, and can enjoy watching them. Their critiques also indicate that television images of forensic science can help in some ways their learning of science, and ethical issues, and also the development of their professional identity to some
  • 24. extent. The positive assessment of forensic science professionalism on television by students (80%) is unexpected, given it is possible to see deviations from professional ideals at many times across forensic science programs. Yet this finding perhaps reflects the narrative construction of many forensic science characters as honourable, and committed to seeking justice for victims of crime. The popularity of some characters over others may explain this, with role models such as Brennan and Hodgins (Bones) and Abby (NCIS) noteworthy for their high skills and intellect, despite their unusual personality quirks. We suggest that the higher level of popularity for Abby might well be explained by the fact that the character is young and female, which largely reflects the cohort we surveyed. This is not to imply that students primarily find role models in fiction or even prefer them. It is worth emphasising here that some participants’ comments give more credence to role models from within the forensic science industry, and this is reflected in the finding that almost half the sample believed television characters were poor role models in general. Indeed, more than half the students actually felt there should be less forensic science characters in crime shows, which perhaps suggests that they believe the forensic science profession is over-represented in popular culture – or, at the very
  • 25. least, is represented in such narrow or inaccurate ways that it would be preferable to avoid it entirely. Although previous research has addressed the CSI effect at some length in the context of jurors’ expectations of forensic evidence, there is less work that explores this topic in university students. One of the strengths of this study is that it provides some answers for educators interested in how university students regard the popular image of forensic science. Despite educators’ concerns, it appears that forensic Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 389 science students – at least in our sample – are well able to distinguish fact from fiction and indeed are rather critical of the televisual representations of forensic science. A further strength is the mixed methods approach, which allows the qualitative data to enhance and elaborate on the quantitative data in ways that are sometimes lacking in other research. The limitations of this study include being limited to one cohort of students in one university and thus it cannot be representative of all forensic science students. This research could be undertaken in other institutions elsewhere to explore any differences and similarities. We also acknowledge that our data
  • 26. deal solely with students’ perceptions of professionalism and that their understanding of professional behaviour is consequently likely to be evolving. Students’ field and work experience may also play a role in this. The qualitative data were also limited to those students who chose to write short responses to the survey questions. Richer data could be elicited with interviews. Future research, therefore, could use in-depth qualitative interviews with students to explore this area further. Future studies could explore students’ reasons for their choice of forensic science. It would be interesting to compare the retention of those students whose entry into their course was influenced by CSI-like programs with those who were not, although such research relies on students’ awareness of this factor, which is necessarily difficult to measure. Closer analysis of the shows themselves and also research evaluating the effectiveness of including courses on media representations in forensic science education would help to further build our understanding of this important area of the images of forensic science in popular culture. Acknowledgements This project received funding from the University of Western Sydney Research Grant Scheme. Thank you to the students who participated in this project, and
  • 27. also to Maricris Algoso, Charmaine Miranda, and Ashleigh-Leane Gibbs for data collection and data entry. References 1. Podlas K. ‘The CSI effect’: exposing the media myth. Fordham Intell Prop Media & Ent L J. 2006;16:429–465. 2. Cole SA, Dioso-Villa R. Investigating the ‘CSI effect’ effect: media and litigation crisis in criminal law. Stan L Rev. 2008–2009;61:1335–1374. 3. Goodman-Delahunty J, Tait D. DNA and the changing face of justice. Aust J Forensic Sci. 2006;8:97–106. 4. Goodman-Delahunty J, Verbrugge H. Reality, fantasy and the truth about CSI effects. InPsych. 2010;2:18–19. 5. Wise J. Providing the CSI treatment: criminal justice practitioners and the CSI effect. CICJ. 2010;21:383–399. 6. Harriss C. The evidence doesn’t lie: genre literacy and the ‘CSI’ effect. J Pop Film Televis. 2011;39:5–11. 7. Shelton DE, Kim YS, Barak G. A study of juror expectations and demands concerning scientific evidence: does the ‘CSI Effect’ exist? Vanderbilt J of Entertainment and Tech Law. 2006;9:331–368.
  • 28. 8. Thomas AP. The CSI effect: fact or fiction. Yale L J. 2006;115:70–72. 9. Tyler TR. Is the CSI effect good science? Yale L J. 2006;115:73–75. 10. New Engineering Foundation. Preparing for the future: applied and vocational science provision at an intermediate level in further education colleges. London, 2008. 11. Durnal EW. Crime scene investigation (as seen on TV). Forensic Sci Int. 2010;199:1–5. 390 R. Weaver et al. 12. Colgan C. Teaching forensics, then and now. Edu Dig. 2002;68:59–61. 13. Capsambelis CR. So your student wants to be a crime scene technician? JCJE. 2002;13:113–127. 14. Kobus H, Liddy M. University forensic science programs: a student attraction strategy or a value-adding partnership with industry? Forensic Sci Pol Manag. 2009;1:125–129. 15. Mennell J. The future of forensic and crime scene science: part II. A UK perspective on forensic science education. Forensic Sci Int. 2006;157:S13–S20. 16. Cooley CM. Reforming the forensic science community to avert the ultimate injustice. Stan L & Pol Rev. 2004;15:381–436. 17. Houck MM. CSI: Reality. Sci Am. 2006;295:84–89.
  • 29. 18. Cavender G, Deutsch SK. CSI and moral authority: the police and science. Crime Media Cult 2007;3:67–81. 19. Bergslien E. Teaching to avoid the ‘CSI effect’. J Chem Educ. 2006;83:609–691. 20. Anderson JF, Mangels NJ, Langsam AH. The challenges of teaching criminological theory: can academia deliver what the media promises? Crim Justice Stud Crit J Crime Law Soc. 2009;22:223–236. 21. McManus SE. Influence of the CSI effect on education and mass media. Department of Anthropology. MA thesis. Orlando: University of Central Florida; 2010. 22. Czarny MJ, Faden RR, Nolan MT, Bodensiek E, Sugarman J. Medical and nursing students’ television viewing habits: potential implications for bioethics. Am J Bioeth. 2008;8:1–8. 23. Hsieh H-F, Shannon SE. Three approaches to qualitative content analysis. Qual Health Res. 2005;15:1277–1288. 24. Weaver R, Wilson I. Australian medical students’ perceptions of professionalism and ethics in medical television programs. BMC Med Educ. 2011;11.50:1–6. 25. Brickell W. Is it the CSI effect or do we just distrust juries. Crim Just. 2008;23:10–17. 26. Holmgren JA, Fordham J. The CSI effect and the Canadian
  • 30. and the Australian jury. J Forensic Sci. 2011;56:S63–S71. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences 391 Copyright of Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. WRTG 391 Summary of Research Study Findings Instructions: In WRTG 391, you will eventually write a synthesis of sources essay. In writing this essay, you will conduct significant research for scholarly sources through the UMUC Library and Information Services interface. In many cases, scholarly articles report the findings of a research study. The article will provide an introduction to the topic, review previous literature on the topic, and then explain the
  • 31. methodology, findings, and conclusions of the study. The first assignment for this class, the Summary of Research Study Findings, helps get you started in finding scholarly articles and, specifically, research studies. In this assignment, you will find four articles from scholarly journals. Each of them will report on a research study. You will show the findings of your studies in a format given to you. When you complete the form, the information will provide a summary of your research in locating the four articles. Please use the format on the following page. You can copy and paste the information on the following pages into a Word document and then fill the information in. Using the guidelines provided by the video and the template, please post a rough draft of your Summary of Research Findings as your instructor directs you. After receiving feedback from your instructor on your Summary of Research Findings, please use the comments from your instructor in revising the draft. Your Topic _________________________
  • 32. Article #1: Author(s) and title of the article and the name of the journal: Key terms in the article (list at least 5 terms): Focus of study: This can be 3-4 sentences. Conclusions of the author(s): This can be 1-2 sentences. Your observations of what you learned about your topic from this article and from this research study. Please write 100-150 words for each article. Article #2: Author(s) and title of the article and the name of the journal: Key terms in the article (list at least 5 terms): Focus of study: This can be 3-4 sentences. Conclusions of the author(s): This can be 1-2 sentences.
  • 33. Your observations of what you learned about your topic from this article and from this research study. Please write 100-150 words for each article. Article #3: Author(s) and title of the article and the name of the journal: Key terms in the article (list at least 5 terms): Focus of study: This can be 3-4 sentences. Conclusions of the author(s): This can be 1-2 sentences. Your observations of what you learned about your topic from this article and from this research study. Please write 100-150 words for each article. Article #4:
  • 34. Author(s) and title of the article and the name of the journal: Key terms in the article (list at least 5 terms): Focus of study: This can be 3-4 sentences. Conclusions of the author(s): This can be 1-2 sentences. Your observations of what you learned about your topic from this article and from this research study. Please write 100-150 words for each article. Part 1 Read the The CSI Effect at University article, imagine that this is one of your articles for your critical annotated bibliography. Please complete the following in responding to this discussion thread: 1. List the article in APA format, as the second video describes. 2. Write a 150-to-200-word summary/critique of the article in which you not only summarize the article but also note any strengths or weaknesses you find in it.
  • 35. Part 2 This discussion thread is designed to help you become familiar with OneSearch. OneSearch is a service that is available through UMUC’s Library and Information Services website. It allows a user to locate scholarly articles and other resources through a single search engine. Please watch library tutorial #1. Then respond to this discussion thread by answering the following question and completing the following task: 1. What topic are you considering for your critical annotated bibliography? In other words, on what general area of interest are you going to locate 12 scholarly articles? “ Negative Effects Childhood Obesity” 2. Find one article for your annotated bibliography using the tips mentioned in the tutorial. Then list the source in APA format and write your summary/critique of 150-200 words. Part 3 Read assignment file Video links Video 2 http://polaris.umuc.edu/de/csi/2011_11_WRTG_391/a3_bibliogr aphy_a01.html library tutorial #1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-sAimlKuZE