About the Book
Cognitive Illusions investigates a wide range of fascinating psychological effects in the way we think, judge and remember in our everyday lives. At the beginning of each chapter, leading researchers in the field introduce the background to phenomena such as illusions of control, overconfidence and hindsight bias. This is followed by an explanation of the experimental context in which these illusions can be investigated and a theoretical discussion drawing conclusions about the wider implications of these fallacy and bias effects. Written with researchers and instructors in mind, this tightly edited, reader-friendly text provides both an overview of research in the area and many lively pedagogic features such as chapter summaries, further reading lists and suggestions for classroom demonstrations.
Table of Contents:
R.F. Pohl, Introduction: Cognitive Illusions. Part 1: Thinking Illusions. J.E. Fisk, Conjunction Fallacy. M.H. Birnbaum, Base Rates in Bayesian Inference. S. Kurzenhäuser, A. Lücking, Statistical Formats in Bayesian Inferences. M.E. Oswald, S. Grosjean, Confirmation Bias. K. Fiedler, Illusory Correlation. S.C. Thompson, Illusions of Control. J. St. B.T. Evans, Biases in Deductive Reasoning. Part 2: Judgment Illusions. R. Reber, Availability. K.H. Teigen, Judgments by Representativeness. T. Mussweiler, B. Englich, F. Strack, Anchoring Effect. C. Hackett Renner, Validity Effect. R.F. Bornstein, C. Craver-Lemley, Mere Exposure Effect. U. Hoffrage, Overconfidence. M.W. Matlin, Pollyanna Principle. Part 3: Memory Illusions. Heekyeong Park, Lynne M. Reder, Moses Illusion. G.V. Jones, M. Martin, Orientation Illusions in Memory. H.L. Roediger III, D.A. Gallo, Associative Memory Illusions. R.F. Pohl, Effects of Labeling. J. Pickrell, D.M. Bernstein, E.F. Loftus, Misinformation Effect. R.F. Pohl, Hindsight Bias. A. Wilson, M. Ross, Illusions of Change or Stability. Perspectives. V.A. Gheorghiu, G. Molz, R.F. Pohl, Suggestion and Illusion.
About the Author :
Rüdiger F. Pohl studied Psychology at the University Braunschweig, before accepting the position as Assistant Professor at the Justus Liebig University Giessen. His research has focussed on memory, especially knowledge representation, cognitive illusions and autobiographical memory.
Review :
"Barbara Norrander, a leading scholar of presidential politics, has synthesized much of the theory, practice, and controversy surrounding contemporary presidential nominations in her book, The Imperfect Primary. As the title suggests, the process, as it has evolved over the years, has both contributed to and detracted from America's democratic electoral process. Norrander explains succinctly and clearly how and why it has done so. Her study will inform both introductory and advanced students." --Stephen J. Wayne, Georgetown University This is a compact and readable analysis of the quirky U.S. presidential nomination system. Political junkies will value the figures and tables that provide a comprehensive overview of various aspects of the primary process, such as candidate fundraising and delegate counts. Students will appreciate the emphasis on issues of fairness and reform." --Linda L. Fowler, Dartmouth College "Barbara Norrander takes readers on a masterful tour of the often daunting intricacies of the presidential nomination process. She presents a clear and concise account of its origins, current configuration, and strengths and weaknesses as a way of selecting national leaders. For anyone wanting to know more about this singular, crucial process, her book is the first place to look." --Gary Jacobson, University of California San Diego "Barbara Norrander has written a fine book that analyzes the nature of the presidential nomination system, nicely organized around what she calls "oddities and biases" as well as "strengths." These she presents clearly and with remarkable balance.aThis analysis, as well as her equally clear and careful consideration of reforms and alternatives, will serve admirably not only her goal of helping students think through this complex set of considerations but will also do likewise for scholars and an interested public alike." --John Aldrich, Duke University 'The Imperfect Primary is a very complete and concise review of the history of US presidential nominations, criticisms, and reform proposals. [...] This book is an extremely clear overview of presidential primaries and deserves recognition as a definitive reference. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.'a-aM. L. Godwin, University of La Verne
