Persuasion: Social Influence and Compliance Gaining

By Robert H. Gass & John S. Seiter

Persuasion: Social Influence and Compliance Gaining is a comprehensive and research-driven examination of how persuasion operates in interpersonal, organizational, political, and media contexts. Published by Routledge, this authoritative text explains how influence strategies are formed, delivered, and resisted.

Integrating classic persuasion theory with modern research and real-world examples, the book explores attitude change, compliance, resistance, ethics, and strategic message design. It is widely adopted in communication studies, psychology, marketing, and social science programs.

What This Book Does

This book equips readers with a structured framework to understand persuasive communication—how messages influence beliefs, attitudes, and behavior, and how individuals can critically evaluate and ethically apply influence strategies.

Key Features

• Clear explanation of persuasion theories and influence principles
• Coverage of compliance-gaining strategies and resistance techniques
• Real-world examples from advertising, politics, media, and everyday life
• Discussion of ethics in persuasive communication
• Strong foundation for both academic study and applied practice

Who Should Use This Book?

• Undergraduate and graduate students in communication studies
• Students of psychology, marketing, and media studies
• Instructors teaching persuasion and social influence courses
• Professionals in marketing, advertising, PR, and leadership roles
• Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of influence and compliance

Why It’s Essential

• Widely used textbook on persuasion and social influence
• Balances theory, research, and practical application
• Enhances critical thinking about persuasive messages
• Authoritative resource for communication and influence studies

A definitive guide to understanding persuasion, influence, and compliance.
Order today from BooksGoat and master the science of social influence.

Product Details

• ISBN-13: 9780367528485
• Authors: Robert H. Gass; John S. Seiter
• Publisher: Routledge
• Edition: Latest Edition
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 512
• Condition: New
• Availability: In Stock
• Price: $— (Free Shipping)

Table of Contents (Highlights)

• Foundations of Persuasion
• Attitudes and Attitude Change
• Persuasion Theory and Research
• Compliance-Gaining Strategies
• Resistance to Persuasion
• Ethics and Responsibility in Influence
• Persuasion in Media, Politics, and Marketing

FAQs

• Is this book suitable for communication studies courses?
  Yes. It is widely adopted in undergraduate and graduate persuasion and communication courses.
• Does it cover real-world persuasion examples?
  Yes. It includes practical examples from advertising, politics, media, and everyday communication.
• Is ethics discussed in the book?
  Yes. Ethical considerations are integrated throughout the study of persuasion and influence.