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THE C.S.I. EFFECT: EXPLORATION OF ITS INFLUENCE ON PERCEPTION OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

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Date Issued:
2014
Abstract/Description:
This study explores the C.S.I. effect in relation to its influence on criminal activity. Expansive research exists concerning the C.S.I. Effect, but very little pertains to the influence it has on individuals' perception of crime and their ability to get away with it. The study explores whether heavy viewers of crime show dramas such as Law & Order and C.S.I. display increased confidence in their ability to commit and get away with a crime. Essentially, this study explores whether these crime television shows are not only entertainment, but also may serve as guides on how to commit crimes. Participants in the study were University of Central Florida students. Participants read a description of a crime scene, and provided judgments from the criminal's point of view. They also completed the Crime Drama Viewing Questionnaire and the Levenson Psychopathy Scale in order to explore the possible correlation between reported confidence in "getting away" with criminal activity, type of television viewing, and psychopathy in participants. Using a correlational design, the relation between heavy and light crime drama viewing and criminal activity decision making was examined.The results of this study add to knowledge about how television crime drama potentially increases criminal confidence and competency in criminal behavior.
Title: THE C.S.I. EFFECT: EXPLORATION OF ITS INFLUENCE ON PERCEPTION OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR.
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Name(s): McConnell, Alexandra, Author
Mottarella, Karen, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2014
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: This study explores the C.S.I. effect in relation to its influence on criminal activity. Expansive research exists concerning the C.S.I. Effect, but very little pertains to the influence it has on individuals' perception of crime and their ability to get away with it. The study explores whether heavy viewers of crime show dramas such as Law & Order and C.S.I. display increased confidence in their ability to commit and get away with a crime. Essentially, this study explores whether these crime television shows are not only entertainment, but also may serve as guides on how to commit crimes. Participants in the study were University of Central Florida students. Participants read a description of a crime scene, and provided judgments from the criminal's point of view. They also completed the Crime Drama Viewing Questionnaire and the Levenson Psychopathy Scale in order to explore the possible correlation between reported confidence in "getting away" with criminal activity, type of television viewing, and psychopathy in participants. Using a correlational design, the relation between heavy and light crime drama viewing and criminal activity decision making was examined.The results of this study add to knowledge about how television crime drama potentially increases criminal confidence and competency in criminal behavior.
Identifier: CFH0004723 (IID), ucf:45341 (fedora)
Note(s): 2014-12-01
B.S.
Sciences, Dept. of Psychology
Bachelors
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): C.S.I Effect
criminology
police chief's effect
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004723
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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