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Abstract

The influence of crime television dramas, like the CSI franchise, on jury expectations, forensic science attitudes, and criminal justice processes is known as the ‘CSI Effect’, a phenomenon that has received a lot of attention in both academic and popular debate. This dissertation explores the many facets of the ‘CSI Effect’, with a particular emphasis on how it affects students' enrolment in forensic science programmes and what that means for their chances of securing future employment in the field.
This study investigates the theoretical foundations of the ‘CSI Effect’ and how it manifests in the attitudes and actions of students who want to pursue careers in forensic
science. It does this by drawing on an extensive survey of the literature. The degree to which the ‘CSI Effect’ influences students’ expectations, motives and educational choices will be examined using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It looks at the relationship between students' exposure to crime dramas on television and their readiness for the practicalities of forensic science.
A small online survey was administered to a sample of students studying Criminology and Forensic Studies at the University of Portsmouth. The results, up to a point, paralleled those of the literature review, demonstrating that students have expectations about forensic science before beginning the course. Despite the expectations students carry, there was no drop-out rate, and instead, participants enjoyed the course. The end result revealed that most students continue to wish to work in the sector they desired before beginning their studies, implying that media expectations had little influence on their choices.
This study provides insightful information for forensic science educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders looking to address the opportunities and challenges presented by modern media influences on the field by illuminating the ‘CSI Effect’ effects on student enrolment and future career aspects. The ultimate goal of this dissertation is to provide insights for professional training programmes, hiring procedures, and curriculum development methods that support the creation of a more complex and adaptable forensic science workforce in the face of changing cultural norms and technology breakthroughs.

Course: Criminology and Forensic Studies - BSc (Hons) - C2039F

Date Deposited: 2024-11-20

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14535.html