The CSI effect is a term used to describe the influence of TV shows that depict criminal investigators and their work. The researchers have argued whether the phenomenon has positive or negative effects on the general public. However, it is evident that such TV shows are favored; thus, people are interested in exploring the topic. A simulation CSI: Web adventures the experience offers to participate in several criminal cases as a forensic examiner. This paper aims to determine the aspects of the game that require improvements.
The Use of CSI Simulator
The simulation provides an excellent opportunity for practicing forensic examination. In addition, it gives a variety of useful tips regarding the process. In the beginning, the game offers to go through the ethical principles that should guide a person carrying out the task. Furthermore, the exercise of testing knowledge is helpful to understand what aspects need to be improved. Thus, the elements of the simulation that worked well were its useful tips and tests.
The simulator offers an accurate presentation of the general aspects of work connected to resolving the crimes. According to Overill (2013), the positive point of the CSI effect is that it can discourage criminals through the belief that their guilt would be proven by forensic evidence. Thus, it can be argued that CSI: Web adventures the experience has a similarly beneficial impact due to the method in which the job of a forensic examiner is showcased.
Recommendations for Improvements
Some would suggest that games similar to CSI: Web adventures the experience, negatively influence the perception of work associated with examining the crime scenes. According to Overill (2013) “in reality, crime scene investigators often spend seemingly inordinate amounts of time gathering and assessing evidence” (p. 81). As for the game, it takes about fifty minutes to finish the task, while completing an actual forensic examination requires more time. Thus, this aspect can be improved by creating more extended versions of the assignments. For instance, a simulator can offer a case that would take several hours to solve. Because the website allows to register and save the progress, people visiting it would be able to participate in more complicated examinations that are closer to reality.
The aspect of presenting the evidence is not part of the simulation. In reality, the process is finalized when the investigators use the evidence to “present it as probabilities rather than the kind of definitive result expected of a courtroom” (Overill, 2013, p. 81). Moreover, the simulator does not allow participation in team simulations. This aspect is crucial as it offers a more interactive experience for the audience. A proper simulation requires a multifaceted approach for it to accurately utilize the technology to provide an educational experience (Pai, Minh, & Svendsen, 2018). Thus, creating a simulation is a challenging process and requires collaborative work.
Overall, the CSI simulator provides a good insight into the work of a forensic examination. However, the process can be improved in several aspects. Firstly, the game should offer a better experience by providing more extended and realistic cases for investigation. In addition, offering to play in teams can enhance the engagement of people. Through these changes, the simulator can provide a more truthful representation of the criminal justice procedures.
References
CSI: Web adventures the experience. (n.d.). Web.
Overill, R. (2013). The ‘inverse CSI effect’: Further evidence from e-crime data. International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, 5(4), 81-89. Web.
Pai, D., Minh, C., & Svendsen, M. (2018). Process of medical simulator development: An approach based on personal experience. Medical Teacher, 40(7), 690 – 696. Web.