Description
It happens everywhere?offices, schools, even your own backyard. Plus, seemingly anything can trigger it?cell phones, sirens, bad music, constant distractions, your boss, or even your spouse. We all know certain things get under our skin. Can science explain why? Palca and Lichtman take you on a scientific quest through psychology, evolutionary biology, anthropology, and other disciplines to uncover the truth about being annoyed. What is the recipe for annoyance? For starters, it should be temporary, unpleasant, and unpredictable, like a boring meeting or mosquito bites
- Gives fascinating, surprising explanations for why people react the way they do to everything from chili peppers to fingernails on a blackboard
- Explains why irrational behavior (like tearing your hair out in traffic) is connected to worthwhile behavior (like staying on task)
- Includes tips for identifying your own irritating habits
How often can you say you're happily reading a really Annoying book? The insights are fascinating, the exploration is fun, and the knowledge you gain, if you act like you know everything, can be really annoying.
Author: Joe Palca, Flora Lichtman
Publisher: Trade Paper Press
Published: 04/01/2011
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.86lbs
Size: 8.72h x 5.58w x 0.97d
ISBN13: 9780470638699
ISBN10: 0470638699
BISAC Categories:
- Psychology | Emotions
- Psychology | Social Psychology
- Psychology | Physiological Psychology
About the Author
Joe Palca is a science correspondent for National Public Radio and the backup host for "Talk of the Nation Science Friday."
Flora Lichtman is the multimedia editor for "Science Friday."