Effects of Negative Emotions on Composition of Counter-terror Policy Choice Set

• In Event: The Psychology of Terrorism and International Relations

Abstract

The literature on public preferences regarding counterterrorism policies discuss either defensive or offensive countermeasures. In addition, studies have shown the role that emotional reactions play in shaping these policy preferences. In this project, we focus on a critical and a relatively unexplored stage in the decision making process. This stage addresses the formation of the choice set from which a policy alternative is selected. The premise is that only if an alternative is included in the choice set, it has a chance to be selected. The extant literature on the role of emotions in decision making demonstrate that negative emotions (e.g. anger) decrease deliberation and cognitive processing. We integrate the impact of emotions on the formation of choice sets in counterterrorism, and propose that negative emotions will affect the size and composition of the choice set. We expect anger to reduce the number of alternatives individuals are willing to consider for their final choice. In addition, anger will lead to the inclusion of more "offensive" counter-terror measures in the choice set. We employ an experimental design to manipulate the emotive condition (anger vs. control) and the clusters of counter-terror options (offensive and defensive) to assess the size and composition of the choice set. The focus on the formation of choice sets and how policy measures are screened into a final ‘shortlist’ of options expands our understanding of decision making processes facing terrorism threats. In addition, it demonstrate the role that emotional reactions have and may lead to the exclusion of some counter-terrorism policy options.

Authors

• Nehemia Geva, Texas A&M University

• Rotem Dvir, Texas A&M University