Over the years, much research has been conducted to distill a terrorist profile to explain these individuals' actions through their psychology and socio-economic circumstances. Some specialists highlight the lack of evidence supporting the idea that terrorists are typically psychologically disturbed. The careful planning and detailed execution seen in many terrorist acts are not characteristics generally associated with mentally unstable individuals. Others, like Roderick Hindery, have sought to discern profiles in the propaganda tactics used by terrorists. Some security organizations designate these groups as violent non-state actors. A 2007 study by economist Alan B. Krueger found that terrorists were less likely to come from an impoverished background (28 percent versus 33 percent) and more likely to have at least a high-school education (47 percent versus 38 percent). Another analysis found only 16 percent of terrorists came from impoverished families, versus 30 percent of male Palestinians, and over 60 percent had gone beyond high school, versus 15 percent of the populace. citing Alan B. Krueger, What Makes a Terrorist (Princeton University Press 2007); Claude Berrebi, "Evidence About the Link Between Education, Poverty, and Terrorism among Palestinians", Princeton University Industrial Relations Section Working paper, 2003 and Krueger and Jita Maleckova, "Education, Poverty and Terrorism: Is There a Causal Connection?" Journal of Economic Perspectives 17 no. 4 Fall 2003 / 63.
over the years much research has been conducted to distill a terrorist profile to explain these individuals' actions through their psychology and socio-economic circumstances some specialists highlight the lack of evidence supporting the idea that terrorists are typically psychologically disturbed the careful planning and detailed execution seen in many terrorist acts are not characteristics generally associated with mentally unstable individuals others like roderick hindery have sought to discern profiles in the propaganda tactics used by terrorists some security organizations designate these groups as violent non-state actors a 2007 study by economist alan b krueger found that terrorists were less likely to come from an impoverished background (28 percent versus 33 percent) and more likely to have at least a high-school education (47 percent versus 38 percent) another analysis found only 16 percent of terrorists came from impoverished families versus 30 percent of male palestinians and over 60 percent had gone beyond high school versus 15 percent of the populace citing alan b krueger what makes a terrorist (princeton university press 2007); claude berrebi "evidence about the link between education poverty and terrorism among palestinians" princeton university industrial relations section working paper 2003 and krueger and jita maleckova "education poverty and terrorism is there a causal connection" journal of economic perspectives 17 no 4 fall 2003 / 63