An investigation into the CSI effect on the Malaysian population

Abstract

For more than a lot of decade, a work has been done to examine the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) effect on jurors and forensic graduates. As a continuing effort, this study employed a self-administered survey to re-examine the CSI effect from a Hong Kong drama series called Forensic Heroes 3 on the public. The results obtained from 131 participants imply that the CSI effect received and manifested by 65 viewers could both be constructive (e.g. portraying realities) and destructive (e.g. reinforcing misconceptions). The selected drama series enhanced the viewers’ beliefs toward two categories, namely forensic scientists and the profession, as well as forensic evidence and investigation. It could also have misrepresented several forensic aspects, leading viewers to misconceptions or uncertainties. Despite the negative impact, the forensics-themed program could be used as an educational tool to educate the public since it also disseminates realistic and factual information to the viewers. Finally, the overall study highlights that claims of CSI effects associated with the general belief in forensic science, and 20 question items raised in the questionnaire, were insignificant.

Keywords:

• forensic science
• forensic TV programs
• CSI effect
• Forensic Heroes 3
• survey

Acknowledgement

The author would like to thank all the participants for taking part in this survey. Special thanks are given to the author’s colleagues who gave constructive comments throughout this project.