Description
Book SynopsisPublic Opinion is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary examination of public opinion in the USA. Drawing on scholarship in political science, psychology, sociology, and communications, it explores the nature of political and social attitudes in the USA and how these attitudes are shaped by various institutions, with an emphasis on mass media.
Trade Review"The interdisciplinary nature of this book is its greatest asset. I am struck by how effectively the authors cover an immense amount of ground in terms of the role public opinion plays in politics, how public opinion develops and evolves, and the media's role in public opinion formation." --Stephen J. Farnsworth, University of Mary Washington "Public Opinion presents a strong theoretical foundation of why we study public opinion grounded in practical examples. This type of approach allows the reader to put the study of public opinion in a context that matters to the student and frames the course in a way that allows the instructor to build a strong curriculum." --Kevin Wagner, Florida Atlantic University Praise for the previous edition: "Simply the best book published on public opinion today. No other authors do a better job in covering how public opinion is formed, measured, and used in democratic society. Scholars and students of public opinion will love reading and learning from this superb book." --Kenneth Warren, Saint Louis University; president of The Warren Poll; and author of In Defense of Public Opinion Polling
Table of ContentsPreface Part One: Introducing Public Opinion 1. The Meanings of Public Opinion 2. The History of Public Opinion 3. Methods for Studying Public Opinion Part Two: Theories of Public Opinion 4. Public Opinion and Democratic Theory 5. Psychological Perspectives on Public Opinion 6. Stereotyping, Social Norms, and Public Opinion 7. Perception and Opinion Formation 8. Economic Approaches Part Three: Public Opinion in Context 9. Content and Conflict in Public Opinion 10. Public Opinion and Policymaking 11. Communicating, Campaigning and the Public (TK) 12. Looking Ahead
