Countering Terrorist Narratives: Assessing the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Change in Counter-narrative Strategies

This study presents the findings of a laboratory-based experiment testing hypothesised processes implicated in prevention violent radicalisation through counter-narratives. The central aims were to contribute counter-narrative theory, whilst highlighting value experimental methodologies that can be deployed this area scientific enquiry. Two strategies evaluated against dominant terrorist narrative. Considering role cognition processing narrative-related information, participants’ (n = 150) Cognitive Reflection and Need for Cognition measured before they randomly assigned narrative legitimized violence, one two counter-narratives, or control. Returning autonomy target by having them actively counter rhetoric themselves was found more effective than offering generic Notwithstanding challenges limitations associated with measuring radicalization-related constructs, demonstrate extent which individuals vary their susceptibility violent, narratives, as well attempts them.