The CSI effect at university: forensic science students' television viewing and perceptions of ethical issues

Weaver, Roslyn, Salamonson, Yenna, Koch, Jane, and Porter, Glenn (2012) The CSI effect at university: forensic science students' television viewing and perceptions of ethical issues. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 44 (4). pp. 381-391.

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Abstract

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.

Item ID: 34027
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1834-562X
Keywords: forensic science; CSI effect; students; television; education; Australia
Funders: University of Western Sydney
Date Deposited: 17 Jul 2014 04:44
FoR Codes: 19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1902 Film, Television and Digital Media > 190299 Film, Television and Digital Media not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9502 Communication > 950205 Visual Communication @ 100%
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