Summary Of Studies Of Public Attitudes Toward And Information About Civil Defense

This is a synoptic report on the state of public opinion, levels of knowledge, and attitudes towards civil defense. It will provide a brief background statement of our past survey research program. Surveys of attitudes, levels of knowledge and general adaptive behavior in civil defense has been undertaken periodically. The basic purpose of these surveys have been to provide civil defense planners with assessments of the feasibility and likely cost/effectiveness of alternative civil defense systems and provide a means of periodic measurement of effectiveness of public information and training and education prpograms. The objective of civil defense is to improve the probability of survival of the population and the recovery of the nation from the effects of nuclear and other forms of attack. It is concerned with measures to counter theses effects and organizational, public education, training, and other actions to support these measures. In order to be fully effective, countermeasure systems usually require active support by segments of the population. Each countermeasure system usually has its implementing audience. Attitudes, values, level of knowledge, and willingness to participate in learning countermeasure actions tend to limit the effectiveness of civil defense programs. The assessment of these factors is important in the choice of future systems and in the selection of programs for implementations of these program alternatives.