Spatial Analysis of Terrorist Techniques

Abstract

The major objective o� this research was to determine i� there is a discernible spatial pattern of terrorist techniques. Five variables were analyzed using the chi squared test o� signi�icance and the coeff icient o� correlation. It was �ound that there are certain conditions which appear to exert some influence over the choice o� technique in a particular situation. Two major difficulties were encountered in the early stages of this research. The first was deciding what specific aspects of terrorism I wanted to study. There are numerous interesting aspects which I would like to research more thoroughly, but it was apparent that I had to limit mysel� in some manner. The second difficulty was encountered when I attempted to obtain data. I was dismayed by the lack of response by the various government agencies which I contacted as possible data sources. This is a problem that all who study terrorism will face, unless they happen to be working for one of those agencies. A third difficulty presented itself when my husband and I made the decision to move away �rom Stillwater in the middle of my research. Finishing a thesis is difficult enough for a resident student, and for one who is living 250 miles away it can seem like an impossible dream. The dream, however, was made possible, not only by my own desire to finish, but also by those who assisted me in various ways.