Research Assignment
The research assignment requires that you watch two (2) television episodes that feature forensic science. While two (2) episodes may mean writing two (2) papers, you can reduce your work and submit only one (1) paper by keeping the topic in the same genre (such as cannibals or murderers who hide their crimes in fires) or forensic specialty (such as crimes solved by entomologists or by forensic odontology). Each episode must be a minimum of one (1) hour in length and should be from the approved non-fiction shows listed below (any other shows must be approved by the instructor in advance):
Investigative Discovery 48 Hr. Mystery
Investigative Reports
Forensic Files
The New Detectives
Medical Detectives
True Crime Mysteries American Justice The FBI Files
History’s Crime and Trials Secrets of the Dead
Content:
The following information should be addressed in the paper:
1. Describe, in detail, the crime on which this show was focused.
2. List all forensic evidence discussed in the program.
3. Explain how the perpetrator(s) was caught and punished.
4. State what the definitive keys to solving the crime were (evidence, witnesses, etc).
5. Select one (1) primary person who worked the case. Provide the person’s name, title, and how s/he contributed to the investigation.
6. List three (3) new facts that you learned from this program.
Papers will be graded on content, grammar, and organization. Supplement the programs with at least four (4) additional references from reputable sources, such as scholarly journals, published research papers, government (.gov) or educational facilities (.edu) websites, policy or procedure documents from a criminal justice agency, major news organization, personal interview with subject matter experts, etc The reference CANNOT be a blog, entertainment or social media source, inflammatory or otherwise derogatory site, or other compromised sources.
Requirements:
APA style, double spaced, one-inch margins, and Word format.
Four (4) pages PLUS a resources list.
Include the name of the program and the date/time of the program’s original air date at the top of the P*8*’
