The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion is a 1992 non-fiction book by political scientist John Zaller, which argues that changes in public opinion are due to the influences of political elites. Ordinary citizens develop new opinions by first hearing and then accepting messages from elites. More politically attentive individuals are more likely to hear new messages, but they are also more likely to resist messages that are inconsistent with their earlier opinions. For this reason, the people most likely to adopt new ideas are those who are moderately informed.

[edit] References

• The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1992)

[edit] External links

• The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion at Amazon.com
• The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion at Cambridge University Press