Crime Drama Television Programs: Educational or Not?

Abstract

Crime drama television shows have been a source of programming for television companies for decades. It is the aim of this research to help determine whether or not crime drama television shows support or hinder people's knowledge of the criminal justice system. A survey containing various hypothetical crime scenarios was administered to students enrolled in summer classes at a major state university in Ohio. A total of 87 participants were asked to answer true or false questions about scenarios found in the most recent seasons of several popular crime drama programs and questions about actual U.S. Supreme Court rulings that are taught in most introduction to criminal justice classes. The results indicate no significant correlation between crime drama program consumption and correct answers on the survey's exam. Correlations were performed on the various demographic information the participants provided and correct test answers on the survey's exam. Several of the demographic variables yielded weak correlations at best with correct test answers on the exam, however age and correct test answers yielded a moderate correlation.