Surveys and Countering Violent Extremism: A Practitioner Guide

Abstract

The intent of this practitioner guide is to better acquaint development practitioners with the use of surveys in preventing or countering violent extremism (CVE). Surveys are an excellent way to gather systematic data about violent extremism, as well as the behaviors and attitudes of the general public or important segments of the population such as victims, potential perpetrators, and even extremists themselves. They can capture information about the drivers of violent extremism and reveal which are the most significant, in what areas, and among whom. When applied to programming, surveys can improve the targeting and design of projects and can measure results. This guide emphasizes that surveys are a powerful and flexible tool with many potential applications to CVE. It also underscores what surveys cannot do, and acknowledges that surveys will often be most effective when combined with qualitative and other quantitative methods. The advice provided will help practitioners ensure that their surveys yield accurate, useful data about violent extremism while gathering information ethically and safely.