The Power of Surprise: How Your Brain Secretly Changes Your Beliefs

Rousell, Michael

ISBN 10: 153815241X / ISBN 13: 9781538152416

Published by Rowman & Littlefield, 2021

About this Item

Gut/Very good: Buch bzw. Schutzumschlag mit wenigen Gebrauchsspuren an Einband, Schutzumschlag oder Seiten. / Describes a book or dust jacket that does show some signs of wear on either the binding, dust jacket or pages.

Seller Inventory # M0153815241X-V

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Power of Surprise: How Your Brain Secretly Changes Your Beliefs
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 153815241X
• ISBN 13: 9781538152416
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: very good

About this title

Synopsis

Rousell examines the rich and complex nuances of the science of surprise and shows us how we can use it strategically to enrich lives.

Random events transform us. After studying formative events, moments that define us, for over three decades, Michael Rousell discovered that most of them took place during a spark of surprise. This breakthrough launched a fascinating journey from neuroscience to stand-up comedy. Rousell draws on research from a wide variety of brain science disciplines (cognition, motivation, neuroscience, psychology, artificial intelligence, persuasion, evolution, and learning), then examines those who already use surprise strategically (comedians, film directors, entertainers, magicians, and novelists). This examination illustrates the hidden, yet critical features inherent in surprise, while demystifying the complexities.

Surprise evolved as a mechanism to instantly change our beliefs. Rousell shows how surprising events produce invisible influence because they open a window to spontaneous belief change with no warning or conscious awareness. You’ll see how seemingly minor features of surprise create profound differences and can be used to strategically enrich lives, create positive mindsets, and maximize influence.

About the Author

Michael A. Rousell, PhD, is a teacher, psychologist, and professor emeritus at Southern Oregon University. Rousell studied life-changing events for over three decades and established his expertise by writing the internationally successful book Sudden Influence: How Spontaneous Events Shape Our Lives (2007). His pioneering work draws on research from a wide variety of brain sciences that show when, how, and why we instantly form new beliefs. He lives with his spouse in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.