Final answer:
Terrorist methods vary, but bombings and shootings are often the most common due to their ease and impact. Chemical warfare, though devastating, is not as commonly used. Additionally, cyber attacks are an emerging tactic for spreading disinformation and recruiting.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering which of these is the preferred method of death and destruction by terrorists, namely, 1) Bombings, 2) Shootings, 3) Cyber attacks, or 4) Chemical attacks, it is essential to recognize that terrorist groups have used various methods depending on their objectives, resources, and the context of their operations. Despite the horrific use of chemical warfare, which involves toxic chemical substances to incapacitate or kill, such tactics are not generally the most common. Historically, bombings and shootings have been frequently employed due to their relative ease, accessibility of materials, and potential to cause significant casualties and fear, as demonstrated by attacks such as Boko Haram's numerous assaults and the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Moreover, there has been a notable shift towards the use of cyber platforms by terrorist organizations for disinformation, propaganda, and recruiting, showing the evolving nature of terrorist tactics.