Persuasion: Social Influence and Compliance Gaining

by Robert H. Gass, John S. Seiter

Persuasion, Social Influence, and Compliance Gaining looks at persuasion from a broad-based perspective, encompassing the full scope of persuasion found in everyday life. Linked to empirical research, this book takes the reader from persuasion theory to qualified conclusions about the operation of persuasion in real-world settings and examines persuasion from a social science perspective. Written in a highly accessible style, this book involves the reader by providing information and real-life examples with which they can easily identify.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, College, Textbooks, Reference

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a very engaging and informative textbook. I love that the authors gave many examples of how persuasion theories, techniques, and concepts have been used in the past, as well as how they could be used in the future. My one complaint is that, in their effort to provide readers with a variety of examples, the authors sometimes forgot to provide a simple definition of the terms they used. As the reader and a student who is certainly no expert in persuasion, I found myself struggling, usually in vain, to come up with my own clear-cut definition of the terms based on the many examples I was given. In the next edition, if the authors strive to provide their own expertly-written definitions of the terms they use, I believe students will gain an even richer understanding of persuasion!

[Gitty Mandel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introduced and defined many fascinating concepts. I would have loved to see certain concepts explained in more detail and others- less.

[Mohamed Yehia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books anyone can read on this subject. Educational research based book full of insights and good examples.
The writers stated clearly from the beginning that persuation is a two way street. Success is not guaranteed in all situations. Credibility make persuaders task more easier.
I respected the presentation of therios in its context for deeper understanding. Not the common do's and dont's.
The book will be my reference on this subject.

[Lasse Olsen]

This is def. not a book I would normally read, but I was out of books and we had this in our book shelf from the bachelor study my gf took.

It goes waaaay deeper on the topic than I’m personally interested in on persuasion, so I admit I skimmed a lot of the pages. But, that doesn’t take away from that it’s probably a really good book for future professionals.

[Sean Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good text which should be mandatory reading (the topic anyway, maybe not this particular edition) not only for strategy, but also for protection.

[Daniel Rivas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Informative Textbook. Good layout, topics broken up into good sections. I only wish defined terms were a little more easily identifiable. Other wise good text book.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

CMST 4061.

[Haley Lipford]

Read for class

[Amandus Bergersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh - it was an interesting school read, some far fetched ideas and concepts, but all in all a cool book

[lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite and engaging textbooks I’ve ever read

[Man Eli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for class

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have used this textbook (or older editions) in a Persuasive Communication course I teach for 8 years. I LOVE IT! I think it is an excellent textbook for college students (any level) who are learning about persuasion or communication theory for the first time. The book explains and applies theory in a way that is easy for first-timers to understand. Students also love the brevity of the chapters and the sense of humor the authors bring to the text.
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The authors have a great article in the journal of Social Influence to help teachers develop activities to go with the textbook: "Teaching social influence: G&S (2007) Resources and exercises from the field of communication" Social Influence From, http://www.communicationcache.com/upl...

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I wish that the book had more "extended learning" applications (ie. quizzes at the end of the chapter, surveys, reflection questions, application boxes in the text). I am also disappointed in the minimal changes made between the 3rd, 4th, and 5th editions of the book. Students can buy any of these editions (save money) and do well in the course - the content is essentially the same. I hope the publisher considers adding new content to the 6th edition to help students get more bang for their buck when buying the newest edition.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was, by far, the most interesting and entertaining textbook I've ever purchased. Usually when I laugh at a textbook, it's because internal 5 year-old me has just noticed some very outdated term or maybe an innuendo. However, with this book, I regularly found myself laughing at the sheer humor with which the chapters were written.
While being extremely informative, Gass & Seiter also managed to incorporate personal anecdotes and viewpoints while maintaining an unbiased approach which was extremely easy to read.
Obviously my favorite textbook ever.

[Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

While mostly informative, I found this book more frustrating than anything else. The style of the authors was perhaps the mosy frustrating aspect: it felt like they were trying much too hard to be likeable, and this mixed with an unnecessarily informal style to poorly explain several of the more complicated concepts.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relitoverly easy textbook to get through with key theories that are well explained. It would be interesting to read an updated copy as the digital landscape has changed therefore how individuals interact with platforms is much different than the time this was written in.

[Alessandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent textbook, a must-read for communications programs. It demystifies prejudicial claims about the practice of persuasion. And it’ll present you with knowledge of persuasion as a tool for successful communication, and as a shield against unethical influencers.

[Aristotle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The master text on Persuasion

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just starting. Taking COMS 431 Persuasion at California State U. Third week. We will see.

[Keshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun, entertaining, and informative

[Gerdien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Clear, complete and very useful (at least for a social scientist, as I am).

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative of all the persuasion occurring around us that we aren't even aware of and in how to be a successful persuasive rhetor. This is a textbook.