New Directions in Public Opinion (New Directions in American Politics) - Hardcover

"Berinsky has brought together a world-class group of scholars working on cutting edge puzzles in the causes and consequences of public opinion. The book is an excellent resource for students, containing foundational insights about measurement and research design, electoral dynamics, and campaign media strategy. The largest contribution of this volume, however, may be the treasure trove of ideas for future research on the impact of group attitudes and identities in structuring our politics."

-- Nicholas A. Valentino, University of Michigan

"With its new and updated chapters, the second edition of New Directions in Public Opinion improves upon what was already an extremely valuable collection of essays from an impressive group of leading scholars. Berinsky’s masterful structuring of the book will allow it to be used as either a main text or a supplementary reader in a wide variety of courses. With just the right mix of analytical depth and topical breadth, this text will provide a solid grounding in six decades of public opinion research while also engaging and exciting students with its timely essays on pioneering new developments in the field."

-- Matthew Jacobsmeier, West Virginia University

"In the latest edition of Berinsky’s New Directions in Public Opinion, leading scholars of public opinion have written engaging chapters that survey recent research. Berinsky’s volume continues to be the best overview of the topic, perfect for students who want to learn about new developments."

-- Gabriel Lenz, University of California-Berkeley

The field of public opinion is one of the most diverse in political science. Over the last 60 years, scholars have drawn upon the disciplines of psychology, economics, sociology, and even biology to learn how ordinary people come to understand the complicated business of politics. But much of the path-breaking research in the field of public opinion is published in journals, taking up fairly narrow questions one at a time and often requiring advanced statistical knowledge to understand these findings. As a result, the study of public opinion can seem confusing and incoherent to undergraduates. To engage undergraduate students in this area, a new type of textbook is required.

The second edition of New Directions in Public Opinion brings together leading scholars to provide an accessible and coherent overview of the current state of the field of public opinion. Each chapter provides a general overview of topics that are at the cutting edge of study as well as well-established cornerstones of the field. Each contributor has made substantive revisions to their chapters, and three chapters have been added on genetics and biology, immigration, and political extremism and the Tea Party. Suitable for use as a main textbook or in tandem with a lengthier survey, this book comprehensively covers the topics of public opinion research and pushes students further to explore critical topics in contemporary politics.