"Oh, it's like CSI.": A Qualitative Study of Job Satisfaction Experiences of Forensic Scientists

by Tharinia Dukes-Robinson, Ashraf Esmail

Overview

“Oh, it’s like CSI…”: A Qualitative Study of Job Satisfaction Experiences of Forensic Scientists goes beyond the glamorous portrayals of CSI professionals on television to highlight the real sources of job satisfaction among forensic scientists. Drawing on interviews with current forensic scientists, this book concludes that forensic scientists experience the most satisfaction in helping victims, the community, and society at large.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761862840
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	12/06/2013
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	98
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Tharinia Dukes-Robinson is a former Questioned Document Examiner with California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services. Dukes-Robinson is currently an assistant professor of Criminal Justice at Piedmont College in Demorest and Athens Georgia.

Ashraf Esmail is an assistant professor of Criminal Justice at Dillard University. Heserves on the board of directors for the National Association for Peace/Anti-Violence Education. He serves as the proposal review lead for the National Association for Multicultural Education. He is senior editor for the Journal of Education and Social Justice.

Table of Contents

Table
Preface
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Chapter One. Introduction
Introduction to the Problem
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Question
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Assumptions and Limitations
Nature of the Study
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
Previous Methodologies Used to Measure Job Satisfaction
Theory Guiding the Study
Organization of the Remainder of the Study
Chapter Two. Literature Review
Introduction
Relevant Literature
Overview of Stress in Law Enforcement
Overview of Job Satisfaction in Law Enforcement
Forensic Science and Forensic Scientists
Job Satisfaction and Forensic Personnel
The Current Study
Summary
Chapter Three. Methodology
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Research Design
Sample Design
Measures
Field Testing
Data Collection Procedures
Data Analysis Procedures
Limitations of Methodology and Strategies for Minimizing Impact
Credibility
Transferability
Expected Findings
Ethical Issues
Conclusion
Chapter Four. Data Collection and Analysis
Introduction
The Researcher
Participants’ Demographics
Interview Guide Questions
Participants’ Profiles
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Data Clustering and Thematizing
Research Findings
Theme One: Comparison to Forensics on TV
Theme Two: Unrealistic Expectations From Others
Theme Three: CSI Effect Hinders Job
Theme Four: Job is Satisfying
Theme Five: Work Affects Lives of Others
Major Findings
The Research Question
Goals of the Interview Questions
Summary
Chapter Five. Results, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Introduction
The Research Question
Summary of the Theoretical Perspective
Summary of Results
Conclusions as Related to the Literature
Limitations of the Study
Significance of the Study
Implications and Future Recommendations
Future Recommendations
References
Index
About the Authors

Editorial Reviews

"Dukes-Robinson and Esmail provide invaluable insights into the real world experiences of crime lab workers. Intensive interviews challenge the glamor and excitement motivators provided by popular television shows. Revealing the everyday realities of forensic lab work, this study demonstrates the potency of intrinsic motivators associated with this service industry. This work will be very useful for courses in Forensics, Criminal Justice and Research Methods."

A. Kathryn Stout

"Dukes-Robinson and Esmail have assembled several significant aspects of discourses on forensic science. This excellent outcome of a good length of research would satisfy the thrust of readers to a great extent in the field. This is a timely and important book that should be read by scholars and students as well as general readers in understanding the complexity of the discourses in forensic science to extend the application of this technique in the criminal justice systems."

Shyamal Das