Customer Reviews

Persuasion, Social Influence, and Compliance Gaining (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I base my comments on Edition 3, not 4. The book was funny, substantive, humble, and comprehensive. The organization was effective, and I learned how much knowledge about persuasion has changed since twenty years ago, the last time I taught a course on that subject. If I had to start over to learn about persuasion, this was an excellent way to do it!

As an undergrad, this was a great book to read. It's written in a conversational style, yet it is still detailed and comprehensive in research, meta-analyses, and examples. The authors also have a sense of humor...which is nice and used sparingly, yet makes it even more enjoyable to read.

It also has an chapter on ethics which some textbooks seem to disregard. There are also real-life situation info-boxes where people can learn and apply what they learn to purchasing new cars, making more tips, and how to ward off telemarketers.

I'm writing this just at the end of the 2006 elections. I can't imagine how many millions were spent trying to persuade me that this candidate or that question on the ballot should be my choice. I'm astounded at how many phone calls I've received from Laura Bush, or that candidate who just wants to set the record straight about the lies her opponnent has been telling about her. And then there are the outright lies. The people for Question 4 tell us that this will eliminate smoking in public places and we should vote for 4 but not for 5. Question 4 relaxes some of the current laws, Question 5 strongly limits smoking nearly everywhere but casinos and brothels. Oh, and did I tell you about this fellow in Nigeria with the huge amount of money that's tied up in his country and if I will just pay some transfer fees....

This book looks at all aspects of persuasion from a scientific point of view. It's useful from two directions, how to be more persuasive, and how to resist persuasion. Most important, it's how to understand what's happening in out world.

It's about par with every other persuasion text. Nothing spectacular about it. Don't buy unless you have. I give it 4 stars because as text books go, it's an easy read. If you're looking for your own interest in persuasion, read influence.

Any textbook that can incorporate sayings like "There's more sex on the Web than flies on a cowpie" (p. 287). Is a book written by authors who love what they do. This was by far the most "fun" textbook I've read, and easy to teach from.

I would recommend this seller. My purchase was delivered fast and as guaranteed.

Item was in great condition and very fast shipment. No problems. Would definately buy from again.