https://news.illinois.edu/blog/view/6367/568301
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois shows that the frequency of mass shootings has not been increasing. This in spite of the news coverage, commentary, and rhetoric creating the impression that mass shootings are more frequent. Perhaps as interesting is the finding that the often repeated idea that copy cat shooters are inevitable is not shown in the data.
Since the two memes, "more mass shootings than ever" and "mass shootings will be copied soon on the heals of a mass shooting", are common in the news and as talking points by proponents of banning firearms it is useful to us to have legitimate studies like this to point to as objective proof that both ideas are incorrect and not supported by fact.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois shows that the frequency of mass shootings has not been increasing. This in spite of the news coverage, commentary, and rhetoric creating the impression that mass shootings are more frequent. Perhaps as interesting is the finding that the often repeated idea that copy cat shooters are inevitable is not shown in the data.
Since the two memes, "more mass shootings than ever" and "mass shootings will be copied soon on the heals of a mass shooting", are common in the news and as talking points by proponents of banning firearms it is useful to us to have legitimate studies like this to point to as objective proof that both ideas are incorrect and not supported by fact.
Mass killings may have increasing news coverage, but the events themselves have happened at a steady rate for more than a decade, according to a new study by University of Illinois researchers. Furthermore, some types of mass-killing events seem to occur randomly over time, making prediction difficult and response crucial.
“One of the things we were hoping to do is give people some clarity. If they hear about an event, they can look at that event in proper context,” said Douglas M. King, a senior lecturer of industrial and enterprise systems engineering. He conducted the study with Sheldon H. Jacobson, a professor of computer science.
“When you see a mass killing on the news, it captures your attention. You hear about these events more, and start to wonder, does this indicate that mass killings are escalating in frequency? The data shows that even though we’re more aware of mass-killing events, the rate that they’ve happened overall has remained steady,” King said.
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