IRB Final Post

Blink

Malcolm Gladwell

Summary:

Most of the conjectures offered by the book have ended at this point. No new theories, such as the concept of thin slicing, were present in this quarter of section, only support and credibility in the form of anecdotes. Shifting the focus to when these mental processes go wrong, Gladwell begins to offer a new scientific view of a common yet tragic occurrence: when cops kill innocent people. He talks about some famous instances when this occurred, and when it was prevented. Using scientific studies, the results of which have played a crucial role in the development of new police training procedures, he explains how in times of stress the brain begins to focus on one particular threat. As adrenaline pumps time slows down and people become quicker to come to the wrong conclusions. This is yet another real life application which can mean the difference between life and death.

Analysis:

Gladwell offered a lot of fascinating but wild theories backed by solid scientific evidence in the book. By keeping the stories and tone light hearted he was able to prevent it from taking the position of a research paper, but with any such book there is the danger of losing the audience. I believe this portion of the book, serving as a conclusion, was written with the purpose of proving to the audience how much weight the applications of this research carry. The case studies of the police who killed innocent people really served to send the message home. With this new knowledge, people can save lives, not only relationships or the consequences of a bad decision. In the context of this real world example, the science becomes real, and the purpose of the book as a whole is better served. Gladwell very explicitly states that he wants readers to use this knowledge in their lives and careers. I think I will certainly give it a shot.

Rhetorical Devices:

Anecdotes: I said this before, but using this as the chief rhetorical device the author is able to make the book interesting and relatable.
Narration: A good writer, using narration before his stories he draws the reader in and maintains interest throughout the book.
Appeals: Though common, these are what give the science meaning. This is probably what is making his book a best seller.
Dialogue: At the end of the afterward it is almost as if the author is talking with the reader, predicting their responses, and answering them. Though not a straight out dialogue, this makes the reader feel as if they are on a more personal level with the writer.