Do serial killer films have a CSI effect?
Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate if inaccurate portrayals in serial killer films create a similar effect to that of the CSI effect in audiences. This is because there is a lot of research showing the CSI effect in TV dramatizations of crime but if there is the same effect in film is virtually unexplored. This is important as it could increase peoples fear of crime and effect how they behave as part of a jury. Method: This study used a qualitative approach as it was underutilised in the previous literature. A questionnaire, which was an adaptation of Saelens, Sallis, Black and Chen (2002), was distributed using social media. This study also had ethical approval. The results were then analysed using thematic analysis. Results: 4 themes were identified: victims, perpetrators, safety and social policy. Conclusion: Findings mostly fit with the hypothesis (film had affected their perceived knowledge, potentially creating a CSI effect), apart from some variation within the data. There was no evidence of the expected affect on fear of crime but the results do still suggest there may be an effect on their behaviour as part of a jury. It is suggested that future studies use a bigger