Public Opinion

by Glynn, Carroll J.; Herbst, Susan; O'Keefe, Garret; Shapiro, Robert; Lindeman, Mark

• ISBN13: 9780813341729
• ISBN10: 0813341728
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-09-02
• Publisher: Westview Pr

Summary

Public Opinionis a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of public opinion formation and change. The authors explore the nature of political and social attitudes in the United States and how these attitudes are shaped by various institutions, with an emphasis on mass media. The book draws on the wide range of scholarship in political science, psychology, sociology, and communications to help undergraduates understand public opinion in America. The book surveys the public opinion field, but it also serves as a provocative starting point for the discussion of citizen moods, political participation, and voting behavior. Multiple sidebars, illustrations, tables, and figures enable students to explore all aspects of the elusive phenomenon we call public opinion. Thoroughly updated, this edition includes new data and discussions throughout, including a chapter on economic and rational choice approaches to understanding public opinion. The chapters are carefully constructed to introduce terms and concepts to both advanced students and those unfamiliar with the field.

Author Biography

Carroll J. Glynn is professor and director of the School of Communication at The Ohio State University. Susan Herbst is Provost and Executive VP for Academic Affairs at the State University of New York, Center at Albany. Garrett J. O'Keefe is professor of journalism at Colorado State University. Robert Y. Shapiro is professor of political science at Columbia University. Mark Lindeman is assistant professor of political science at Bard College.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	vii
Preface	xiii
PART ONE INTRODUCING PUBLIC OPINION	1	(116)
The Meanings of Public Opinion	3	(32)
The History of Public Opinion	35	(38)
Methods for Studying Public Opinion	73	(44)
PART TWO THEORIES OF PUBLIC OPINION	117	(164)
Psychological Perspectives	119	(48)
Stereotyping, Social Norms, and Public Opinion	167	(44)
Perception and Opinion Formation	211	(44)
Economic Approaches	255	(26)
PART THREE PUBLIC OPINION IN CONTEXT	281	(200)
Public Opinion and Democratic Competence	283	(72)
Public Opinion and Policymaking	355	(50)
Lawrence R. Jacobs
Communicating, Campaigning, and the Public	405	(72)
Looking Ahead	477	(4)
Index	481