Study of Political Violence Attitudes, Personal Experiences with Violence, Emotional Reactions to Assassination and Violence in the Media, 1968

This study, conducted in October 1968 by Louis Harris and Associates, Inc., focused on respondents' opinions about violence in the United States as well as their personal experiences with violence. In addition, several questions were asked concerning both news and entertainment media, including respondents' media preferences and which form of news media they relied upon for obtaining information on specific issues. Respondents were asked to rate television networks with respect to violent programming content and to state their opinions on television violence and its effects. Further questions sought to ascertain in what instances, both personal and political, respondents would be moved to specific acts of violence, and in what instances they would tolerate violence in others. A number of variables assessed knowledge of and feelings toward the assassination of public figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, the Kennedys, and George Lincoln Rockwell. In addition respondents were asked about their interest in government and the presidential campaign of November 1968. Party preference, party identification, and anticipated presidential choice were ascertained, as well as opinions on Vietnam and civil rights. Demographic information includes age, sex, marital status, occupation, religion, income, and participation in the armed services.