ABSTRACT
Public opinion on a range of policy matters can rarely be characterized adequately along a single dimension. This chapter analyzes the data using modern scaling techniques: Smallest Space Analysis for structuring the attitude content universe, and multiple scaling by Partial Order Scalogram Analysis by Coordinates/Logical Scalogram Analysis for scaling subjects by these attitudes. It identifies concepts useful in measuring public opinion on foreign policy. Once the coordinate scales have been derived and their meaning comprehended, the chapter assesses their relationships to various background characteristics. Terms like "hawk/dove" or "aggressive/pacific" are commonly used, but only hint at the underlying complexity of foreign policy attitudes. A theoretically appealing interpretation is that the range of possible involvement levels necessarily narrows with increasing aggression. Some differentiation by involvement is nevertheless apparent within each aggression level. The contrast of American and North Vietnamese commitment is a common theme in the literature on Vietnam war policy.
