The exploratory study of public opinion on terrorism and factors influencing it in Kazakhstan.

Abstract

The research is an exploratory study of public opinion regarding the subject of terrorism in Kazakhstan. The research is aimed at examining the range of feelings and perceptions generated by mediated and non-mediated terrorism news, as well as studying the factors contributing to producing these reactions. This was approached by looking into the context of media mapping, terrorism in Kazakhstan, demographics and culture; studying the methods used by the media when reporting terrorist attacks; identifying these methods within a sample of Kazakh media; mapping the range of feelings and perceptions formed during a discussion of terrorist attacks supported by some media materials; observing the ways people manage their reactions during the focus groups; and, examining the links between terrorism reporting techniques, research context, and reactions produced by the public. For the purpose of this research a mixed methodology was applied. In May 2016, six focus groups were conducted in Kazakh city of Ust- Kamenogorsk. Particular attention was paid to thematic analysis of focus group discussions, and content analysis of Kazakh printed and visual media. Some of the core findings derive from the discussion about the influence of Russian television channels broadcasted in Kazakhstan. Thus, the research has identified a range of emotional responses to terrorism, both directly and indirectly mediated by agenda setting and framing. The emotions varied significantly in accordance with media consumption habits of participants, demographic variables of age, gender, as well as proximity to the attack, both geographical and from the point of group belonging. These correspond with some earlier studies by Traugott and Brader (2003) and Yarchi et al (2013). It is impossible to draw a clear connection between the methods Kazakh media uses and the reactions generated in public. This is because only a sample of the media was used and the focus groups were not fully representative of the public. However, this study identified the variables of methods used by some Kazakh media and the range of reactions that can be generated. It is suggested this initial work in the relatively unknown to researchers context of Kazakhstan is further used for a study of media effect.