Introduction to the Assignment
This assignment description is based on course materials and is used with permission from Professor Scott:
Television shows like ‘CSI’ bring forensic science and crime scene investigation to the general public. Thjs assignment allows students to explore and understand the ‘CSI Effect’, and how media portrayals of forensic science and crime scene investigation may influence public perception of forensic science, legal proceedings, and criminal activity.
This assignment is worth 20% in the form of a final paper (due via Quercus). Please see below for description.
Step One: Take on the professional literature
Read the following journal articles (assigned readings from Week 1):
Durnal EW. Crime scene investigation (as seen on TV). Forensic Sci Int 2010; 199: 1-5.
Ribeiro G, Tangen JM, McKimmie BM. Beliefs about error rates and human judgement in forensic science. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 297: 138-147.
Step Two: Engage popular representations of the CSI Effect
After reading the above articles, watch an assigned television episode from CSI. Note: There will be a 10% penalty for watching the wrong episode.
Episodes are available via one of the following:
(1) Video (DVD) available at the U of T Mississauga Library for short term loan (visit the Information and Loans Services desk). As a courtesy to other students, please refrain from keeping this DVD for more than 24-48 hours, as there is one rental for all episodes. Plan accordingly.
(2) Paramount+ Canada - Stream Blockbusters, New Originals and Hit Shows.$10.99/month, standard (see site for current promotions); access to all episodes for one month.
(3) Apple TV+ $3.49 per episode (Hint: AppleTV may allow you to try Paramount+ free for 7 days as part of a trial; see site for current promotions).
Note: Students should not re-use their U of T email password in conjunction with their U of T email to sign up for any online service. To do so may constitute a security risk. If watching your assigned episode through an online service, only use this list of recommended options. To seek out free versions from compromised sites may put personal information at risk.
Step 3: Pose an evidence-based argument about popular representations of the CSI Effect
Using information from lecture, your textbook, the above readings, and other peer reviewed literature, students will write an essay that addresses various aspects of the ‘CSI Effect’. In each essay, you are responsible for answering each of the following:
(i) In your own words describe what the ‘CSI Effect’ is and how it impacts (positively and/or negatively) each of the following: (a) the courtroom and legal system, and (b) criminal activity. You may outline other impacts of the CSI effect as you see fit and based on what you see in the literature. Use specific examples. This will serve as the introduction to your essay. (350-450 words) Note: This should not be a summary of the assigned readings. Your are encouraged to seek out additional literature when answering this question.
(ii) Identify three distinctly different examples in which you noticed the ‘CSI Effect’ in the episode that you watched. These differences must be substantial and should involve differences in either: the roles and responsibilities of forensic experts or crime scene investigators, differences in the actual science, methods, or techniques used, or differences in behaviour and operating procedures. (250-300 words each)
For each example chosen, be sure to:
(1) Describe what is happening in the episode
(2) Explain how it differs from the reality of forensic science/crime scene investigation. Be sure to include what the ‘real’ or ‘correct’ way is.
(3) How this example contributes to the ‘CSI Effect’
(iii) Given the above, provide your opinion concerning the implications of representing forensic science or crime scene investigation in the media. Do you believe it is appropriate? Why or why not? Use specific examples. This will serve as the conclusion to your essay. (350-450 words)
FORMATTING INSTRUCTIONS
To complete this assignment, students will need to research and consult other scholarly/peer-reviewed sources. A minimum of THREE additional scholarly materials must be utilized. All references must follow the referencing guidelines from the Journal of Forensic Sciences.
Each assignment must include a title page. This title page will not be part of the page count. The title page must convey the following information:
Student name and student number
Course code
Assignment submission date
A professional assignment title
This assignment should be formatted as: Times New Roman font, size 12, 1.5 spacing, 1’ (2.54 cm) margins, page numbers on bottom right-hand corner (except on the title page).
The assignment must follow the word counts outlined in the above instructions, plus one additional page for ‘References Cited’. The ability to be concise and to the point is important in forensic documentation, and through this assignment, students will be provided the opportunity to practice writing in a succinct yet comprehensive manner.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN COMPLETING THIS ASSIGNMENT:
(i) Personal pronouns are not appropriate in forensic documentation and (most) scientific writing; only use personal pronouns when asked for your opinion.
(ii) Quotations should be used sparingly.
(iii) All technical terms (jargon) should be clearly defined, though students should assume the reader has some experience with scientific methodologies.
** Note that Quercus will automatically upload this paper to Ouriginal (further instructions will be provided via Quercus).