Annoying: The Science of What Bugs Us (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780470638699)

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
ISBN-10: 0470638699
ISBN-13: 9780470638699
Publisher: Trade Paper Press
Language: English
Published: 04/01/2011
Pages: 272
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.86lbs
Size: 8.72h x 5.58w x 0.97d

Review Citation(s):
Shelf Awareness 01/01/0001