本文以德國民意學者諾爾．紐曼的「沈默螺旋」理論為研究基礎，以「興建核四廠」議題為例，探討民意結構中的「死硬派」人士的溝通行為及其特質。本研究中的236位受訪者（反核組織與環保團體成員）呈現出一種與「沈默螺旋」相左的「投射效果」現象，也就是說，他們認定大多數人與他們意見相同，而不是由民意氣候來形塑他們的意見。這些死硬派人士表達意見的意願程度相當穩定，但似乎會隨著外在情境的公開性而稍有遞減。本研究也發現，人際溝通在表達意願的程度上扮演重要角色，而大眾傳播行為的角色，在公開性較強的表達情境之下才會發揮功能。

　　　　　The study investigates the communication behaviors and related qualities of "opinion hardcores" (mainly the members of environmental and anti-nuclear groups) by adopting the theoretical perspective of the Spiral of Silence. According to the empirical findings, a "projection" effect seems to occur among the 236 respondents. That is, most of the opinion with theirs. Although opinion hardcores are quite willing to speak out in different situations, they tend to reserve their opinions as the degree of "publicness" expands. In addition, interpersonal communication plays a significant role in affecting people's willingness to speak out, whereas media use behaviors are effective only when people have to speak to an anonymous public (.e., a "more public"situation).