Media Use and Public Perceptions of DNA Evidence

Abstract

This study uses survey data to examine how various forms of media use are related to public perceptions of DNA evidence, including self-perceived understanding of DNA, perceptions of DNA evidence as reliable, weight attached to DNA evidence (or the absence thereof) in jury decision making, and support for a national DNA databank.The hypotheses build on cultivation theory, priming theory, and research regarding the “ CSI effect.” The findings indicate that overall television viewing, crime television viewing, and news media use predict perceptions of DNA evidence. Moreover, a question-order experiment produced evidence that priming thoughts about media can influence such perceptions.

The Prum Regime: Situated Dis/Empowerment in Transnational DNA Profile Exchange

“…Will the increasing orientation towards cold-hit driven 'genetic policing' (Williams & Johnson 2008) affect the willingness and readiness of police to invest in finding the perpetrator when no biological traces are available, especially -but not only -in cases when it is expected that the perpetrator may be outside of the country's jurisdiction? A so-called 'CSI effect' has been documented for jurors and judges, who put more weight on DNA evidence than on other kinds of evidence, or who refuse to convict in absence of such (Brewer and Ley 2010; for an overview see Durnal 2010). It remains to be seen whether the criminal investigation will be immune to such a CSI effect.…”

The Effects of Media Use on Religious Individuals' Perceptions of Science

“…While politicians are generally expected to answer for their views on science in front of the news-watching public, entertainment-seeking Americans may gratify their need for scientifically related information or themes through the viewing of an increasing number of science-themed television programs (Brewer & Ley, 2010). Additionally, as science and technology become more prevalent topics of conversation in national media, the Internet has made available an extensive and growing set of opportunities for citizens to engage with scientific information, opinions, debates, and disagreements.…”

Facing Victims: Forensics, Visual Technologies, and Sexual Assault Examination

“…1 I undertake this analysis for manifold reasons. Forensic intervention has taken the public and scholarly imagination by storm, with various studies purporting to document proof for or against the so-called CSI effect in which television shows featuring forensic investigation are thought to influence public perceptions of the use of forensics in the legal system (Brewer and Ley 2010;Schweitzer and Saks 2007;Tyler 2006). As medical expertise is increasingly incorporated into new institutional contexts, such as commerce, industrial research, political movements, and legal processes, medical anthropology must continue to investigate the transformation of therapeutics and care giving that takes place in these settings.…”