Study of political violence attitudes, personal experiences with violence, emotional reactions to assassination and violence in the media, 1968

About this book

This study, conducted by Louis Harris and Associates, Inc., focused on the respondents' opinions about violence in the United States as well as their personal experiences with violence. In addition, there are many questions concerning both the news and entertainment media, including the respondents' media preferences as well as which form of news media is relied upon for information on specific issues. The respondents were asked to rate T.V. networks on violence in their programming in addition to being asked their opinions on T.V. violence and its effects. The questionnaire probed respondents in order to ascertain in what instances, both personal and political, they would be moved to specific acts of violence, and in what instances they would tolerate violence in others. Many questions examined the respondents' knowledge of and feeling toward the assassination of such public figures as Dr. Martin Luther King, the Kennedys, and George Lincoln Rockwell. In addition respondents were questioned on their interest in government and the presidential campaign of November 1968. Party preference, party identification, and anticipated presidential choice were ascertained, as well as were opinions on Vietnam and civil rights. Demographic variables included age, sex, marital status, occupation, religion, income, and participation in the armed services.