The Crime Scene Investigation Effect: A Quantitative Study
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Kimberly Martinez
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Biology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Eunice Nkansah
Abstract:
Abstract
This study aimed to determine if and why college students are prone to the bias resulting from the Crime Scene Investigation phenomena. It is believed that individuals who experience the CSI effect often have higher expectations for forensic testing to yield dramatic and impactful results rather than accepting definitive evidence that may not necessarily involve forensic analysis. A possible explanation for the phenomena is the influence of crime shows and movies found on streaming platforms, which may affect the general public's perception of legitimate forensic techniques. The researcher employed a quantitative approach, specifically an online survey, to conduct the study. To collect data, the researcher constructed an online questionnaire using Qualtrics—an online survey tool disseminated electronically via social media and posted throughout the Kean University campus in Union, New Jersey. The questionnaire comprised multiple-choice, matrix-style, and slider questions, covering subjects like participant demographics, crime-show-watching habits, and comprehension of forensic evidence collection and analysis with 41 complete responses.
Data analysis of the results revealed four significant responses from participants. First, more than half of the participants watched crime shows and noted which ones they preferred watching the most. Second, only a few of the surveyed college students were familiar with the CSI effect. Out of those who knew about it, they were directed to answer questions about whether crime shows impacted their perception. Third, the results revealed that students' responses to the accuracy of specific scientific tests linked to crime shows did not directly reflect whether they watched crime shows or knew of the CSI effect. Lastly, the study found that education has an impact on the level of knowledge displayed by the participants in the questionnaire.
Based on these findings, the researcher recommended that college students develop an interest in lab courses to gain more insight into laboratory analysis and procedures as to understand their role in collecting forensic evidence. The study further recommended that universities and institutions implement more criminology and forensic science courses into the regular curriculum to educate students about what they watch in crime shows. Lastly, future research studies on the CSI effect should be conducted at a larger scale using a different research approach to help reinforce both quantitative and qualitative findings.
Keywords: forensics, perceptions, college students, undergraduates, crime scene investigation, effect