Bio-Marker and Counter-Message: Measuring Individual Differences in the Influence of Extremist Proganda and Counter-Messages
Abstract
The recent surge of trans-regional threats coupled with global interconnectivity have made the current operational environment increasingly dynamic and complex for the Department of Defense (DoD). Many contemporary battles are now fought off the battlefield; a campaign for the hearts and minds of people around the world, both allies and adversaries, hangs in the balance. Ensuring that the United States can adeptly and efficiently counter violent extremism messaging is critical to sustaining the United States’ global security interests. However, to meet this challenge, researchers must understand and measure how messaging campaigns can shift the emotions, attitudes, motivations and behaviors of a variety of target audiences. Specifically, using experimental methods we have found useful in the past, we propose 6 innovations surrounding these issues that will be both theoretically, and pragmatically useful to DoD and associated personnel; 1. Addressing the gaps in the existing research surrounding the psychological interaction of individual, extremist message and counter-message. 2. Apply a new theoretical framework to the role of extremist propaganda in the radicalization process (namely Behavioral Activation and Behavioral Inhibition; BAS/BIS). 3. Integrate psychometric, neurobiological and physiological measures of BAS/BIS as predictors of responses to exposure to extremist propaganda. 4. Empirically evaluate individual differences in BIS/BAS activation and behavior in response to exposure to extremist propaganda. 5. Measure short-term extremist-related cognitions and medium-term behavioral measures of interaction with extremist messages and counter-messages. 6. Empirically evaluate CVE messaging strategies on changes in BIS/BAS activation and behavior (as well as individual differences). OUTCOMES: Our project will have the following impact on the field; 1. Improve theoretical understanding of the role of extremist message and counter-message on the wider psycho-social process of “radicalization” 2. Provide empirical evidence for the critical role of individual differences in several trait-level factors on the effect of exposure to extremist message and counter-message 3. Provide empirical evidence for the effectiveness of CVE-related counter-messages This research team will then deliver impact with this work by delivering a series of innovative, and engaging deliverables delivered across a series of platforms (e.g., podcasts, one-page quick-wins, interactive iBooks, journal articles and a book manuscript) that are tailored to a range of applied and academic audiences (practitioners, academics and the community).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812367
Entities
People
- Neil Shortland
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Massachusetts