Robin Wray BSc MA

Supervisors: Dr Herb Blumberg, Dr Martin Davies

A study of the causal factors that influence propensity to violent behaviour in a socio-political context, specifically terrorism

Phase one of this research will measure variables that are positively associated with increased propensity to violence in a socio-political context. Factor analysed results will be used to model where certain variables within these dimensions are most highly correlated. The instruments include: 29 item parcel, five factor model including variables: environmental, belief systems, social identity, demographic, experience of violence (Wray R; 2007), 10 item measure of the big-five personality inventory (Gosling, S.D; et al; 1992), 8 item measure of authoritarian conformity (Couch A.S. and Bales; 1960), 7 item measure of aggression (Couch A.S. and Bales; 1960).

Phase two of the study will investigate in more detail the areas of high correlation with the aim of developing a functionally operational model identifying which combination of variables are associated with the highest measure of propensity to violent behaviour.