Fact Or Fiction: Investigating Whether The Csi Effect Is A Valid Concern Or Popular Myth

Abstract

The CSI effect is a phenomenon in which forensic science used in criminal investigations has been exaggerated by fiction-based crime TV shows and movies (i.e., CSI, Law and Order, Criminal Minds, etc.), which has influenced public perception on what to expect from real criminal investigations. These TV shows have portrayed an image of what criminal investigations should look like and the type of evidence that is presented in television courtrooms far from what is actually done in reality. Thus, people in the criminal justice system (i.e., prosecutors, judges, lawyers) have attributed an increase in people and juror expectations and demands for more scientific evidence (i.e., DNA, fingerprints) in criminal trials to the CSI effect. To investigate this claim of a rise in expectations and demands for scientific evidence, this research study conducted an anonymous, self-administered online survey consisting of about 17 questions that was administered to Salem State University undergraduate and graduate students from all different disciplines (N = 90). The survey collected demographic data as well as more specific information about students’ crime-based TV shows viewing habits and their demands for scientific evidence in criminal trials.