News Release

How does Pakistani media consumption affect opinions on violence?

UAkron political science professor receives grant to study link between Pakistani media use and beliefs on violence

Grant and Award Announcement

University of Akron

Akron, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2012 — To what extent does media use among Pakistanis affect beliefs on Islamist violence? University of Akron political science professor Karl Kaltenthaler is the principal investigator on a research project that will attempt to answer this question and more.

The 20-month, $276,000 grant, funded by the U.S. Department of State, will provide insight into the relationship between media consumption in Pakistan and beliefs about the legitimacy of Islamist violence. Kaltenthaler and his team will conduct a national survey of 6,000 Pakistanis for the project, "Pakistani Media and Muslim Communities: Identifying and Supporting Critical Thinking."

"The research into Pakistani attitudes toward violence and extremism is a priority for the community that studies terrorism and threats to the United States because Pakistan has been such an incubator and haven for terrorist groups with anti-American agendas," says Kaltenthaler. "It is crucial to understand what factors influence the Pakistani public's attitudes toward such groups and the violence they commit because the public can determine what the Pakistani government does to curb such groups and the public also serves as a potential source of logistical support and recruits for the extremist groups."

Kaltenthaler expects to announce the results of the study in September 2014.

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About The University of Akron

The University of Akron offers more than 300 associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate and law degree programs – with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With nearly 30,000 students and more than $65 million in research expenditures, UA is among the nation's strongest public universities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and economic growth. Programs are targeted to diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and online students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom. The distinctive Akron Experience enhances postgraduate success through internships and co-ops, academic research (both undergraduate and graduate), study abroad, on-campus student employment, and service projects.


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