Review of Public opinion and propaganda

Abstract

Reviews the book, Public opinion and propaganda by L. W. Doob (1948). To prevent possible disappointment any prospective reader should understand Doob's objective. It was not his purpose to review and evaluate the relatively quantitative studies that have been conducted. The principal purpose appears to be an attempt to explain public opinion and propaganda in terms of selected principles of human behavior. Obviously this is quite an undertaking. In line with this objective, the first group of chapters presents a background and explains such concepts as consistency, rationalization, displacement, compensation, projection, identification, conformity, and simplification. The second group of chapters places emphasis on methods of conducting public opinion studies rather than on an analysis of the results obtained. There is one point, however, for which the reviewer cannot find a legitimate excuse. In effect, Doob accuses both Gallup and the Psychological Corporation of wording questions to get results which will please their clients (p. 157). Such a statement is so farfetched that it suggests a lack of close practical touch with the ways in which such organizations really operate. This is merely one example which contributes to the impression that in attempting to cover the numerous specialized fields which make up the general field of public opinion and propaganda, Doob has been forced to rely on reading widely scattered sources rather than depending upon practical experience in each of the fields. The field is made up mainly of specialists, with each group working in its own specific field and using methods on various levels of accuracy. Coordination is needed. Doob has made a pioneering effort to draw together the scattered threads. For this reason, his book may interest many readers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)