Turned off power to range because I was scared. Unscrewed broiler element, pulled part forward and pulled off wires that were attached to the back, attached wires to new element, pushed it back in place, screwed it back on to oven. Cooked my bruchette!
In my perpetual state of optimism, I hoped that the part description was incorrect and that the cost for the knob was actually a cost for a set of knobs. Woe to the consumer who doubts his own eyes! Yes, you will be paying about $25 after s/h for a single knob- but it matches, it works, it fits, and it takes less than 2 seconds to install, so kudos to the manufacturer who knew this would be a good form of supplemental income from their product... I still adore Whirlpool despite their exorbitant pricing on plastic knobs... :)