Social psychology theory can be applied to the investigation of terrorism by the small groups or ‘cells’ that form to carry out terrorist attacks, according to a Charles Sturt University (CSU) lecturer in policing psychology.Associate Professor Karl Roberts, senior lecturer and researcher at the CSU Australian Graduate School of Policing in Manly, presented his argument* to participants at the 2010 International and Serious Organised Crime Conference in Melbourne on Monday 18 October.
Professor Roberts said that work by psychologists in the 1960s and 70s provided a model to describe the five developmental stages of groups; there are four processes of formation - Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing - and one stage, Mourning, after the destruction of the group.
“When individuals form a group, regardless of whether it is made up of strangers or those with pre-existing links, the group goes through a series of stages in which the aims, objectives and roles of the group members are identified,” Professor Roberts said.
“These stages occur for all groups and are characterised by particular behaviours, attitudes and feelings within the group.
“The attitudes and behaviours at each stage are readily identifiable by observing group interactions, including in terrorist and organised crime groups.
“It is therefore useful for terrorism and crime investigators to use theory and methods drawn from behavioural science to aid in their work.”
Professor Roberts elaborated the psychological aspects of each of the five developmental stages of groups, and illustrated his presentation by exploring examples of the behaviour of terror groups.
“I argue that this model - which is simple and applicable, makes predictions, and allows reasoned judgements - is relevant for use in the investigation of terrorism, particularly for the collection and analysis of intelligence material, the assessment of risk and the management of terrorist suspects,” he said.
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