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Los Angeles riot participants, both actual and "psychological," were compared with nonparticipants to see if participation could be predicted, using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis and a second form of linear regression analysis (Wood's algorithm). Data were from 586 interviews of black residents, representing a random sample of the riot curfew area. Neither active nor psychological riot participation could be predicted when age and sex were not controlled, but significant prediction was possible when the population was divided into four groups by age and sex. The usefulness of the regression in characterizing rioters versus nonrioters is limited because a large number of independent variables is needed. Results support the theory that rioting is a community phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]