FAQs

What is the I-VEO Knowledge Matrix?

How did the I-VEO Knowledge Matrix originate?

Who are the intended users of the Knowledge Matrix?

How do I use the Knowledge Matrix?

How do I find more information on a hypothesis?

How do I search for a particular term?

Does this search inside the literature reviews?

What do the different column headers mean?

Why are there so many categorizations? Why is a particular categorization left out?

How do I organize the results in a particular column? For example, those based on the empirical support score or the Davis and Jenkins typology?

How do I reset the results?

Can I sort the Knowledge Matrix by multiple categorizations at once?

Is there a way to move/hide certain columns?

Why was a particular author/article/report/hypothesis left out of the Knowledge Matrix?

Is any part of the Knowledge Matrix exportable?


What is the I-VEO Knowledge Matrix?

The Influencing Violent Extremist Organizations (I-VEO) Knowledge Matrix represents an attempt to synthesize existing empirical knowledge relating to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. It draws on findings from a variety of disciplines, including political science, public policy studies, criminology and psychology.

How did the I-VEO Knowledge Matrix originate?

The I-VEO Knowledge Matrix was designed as an easily accessible knowledge tool whereby practitioners and policy makers could rapidly identify the state of knowledge in a particular sub-domain relevant to influencing VEOs, with the capability to dig deeper into the literature if desired. For further details, please see the Project Overview.

Who are the intended users of the Knowledge Matrix?

While the original Knowledge Matrix was created for government users, START has placed this version of the Knowledge Matrix online as a resource for scholars, journalists, students, and other interested members of the public as well.

How do I use the Knowledge Matrix?

The Matrix is presented as a table with each row representing a hypothesis related to the broader topic of influencing violent extremist organizations. The columns provide information about a hypothesis, such as how much empirical support it has received, and implications that flow from it, in addition to categorizing or “tagging” each hypothesis according to various schemas. The Matrix also acts as a portal to summaries and reviews of the available literature about each hypothesis, including bibliographic information. For more guidance about specific elements of the Matrix, see the questions and answers below.

How do I find more information on a hypothesis?

Click on the hypothesis number to view the associated mini-literature review.  If you would like information beyond the literature review, consider accessing the studies cited in the bibliography of each review.

How do I search for a particular term?

Use the search box in the upper right hand corner to perform standard keyword searches. The search does not support Boolean expressions at this time.

Does this search inside the literature reviews?

Currently, the search functions only returns results from information visible in the Matrix, not the actual literature reviews.

What do the different column headers mean?

If you click on the question mark next to each column heading, then an explanation of the selected heading is available. For more information on why these categories were chosen, please see About the Project.

Why are there so many categorizations? Why is a particular categorization left out?

These categorizations were established in order to meet the requirements of the original project. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to suggest other categorizations.

How do I organize the results in a particular column? For example, those based on the empirical support score or the Davis and Jenkins typology?

Click on the arrow next to the column heading to sort the column alphabetically. Clicking on the arrow a second time reverses the column order. To reset the matrix, sort by the Literature Review column.

How do I reset the results?

Click on the triangle in the ‘Literature Review’ column heading for the Knowledge Matrix to return to its original configuration.

Can I sort the Knowledge Matrix by multiple categorizations at once?

This option is not currently available. However, you may be able to use the sort and search in combination to find more specific information.

Is there a way to move/hide certain columns?

This functionality is not available in this version of the Matrix.

Why was a particular author/article/report/hypothesis left out of the Knowledge Matrix?

The original project was completed to serve the needs of a specific client within a short time period. However, we view the Matrix as a constantly evolving resource, so please contact us if you have any suggestions for additions or modifications to the Matrix.  With your assistance, we can improve the Matrix for all users.

Is any part of the Knowledge Matrix exportable?

The Matrix is currently only exportable as a standalone product for government users. If you are a government employee and would like a separate version of the Knowledge Matrix, please contact us here .