Synopses & Reviews
Over a quarter million copies sold!
How does this information make you feel about the book? If, even for a moment, you thought that a proven and popular book might be the one you were interested in, you may have been persuaded by a potent principle of influencein this case, the principle of social proof.
Have you ever found yourself saying yes to a telemarketer or to a child selling candy and then wonder why you have just agreed to subscribe to a magazine that you really aren't interested in or to buy a candy bar that you really don't want? In this revised, updated, and expanded book, not only will you find out what techniques were used to get you to say yes, but you will also learn some worthwhile ways to defend yourself from future requests.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 231-246) and index.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Cialdini is Regents' Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, and also consults widely on the subject of influence.
Table of Contents
All chapters conclude with “Summary” and “Study Questions.”
Preface.
Introduction.
1.Weapons of Influence.
Click, Whirr.
Betting the Shortcut Odd.
The Profiteers.
Jujitsu.
Reader's Report.
2.Reciprocation: The Old Give and Take … and Take.
How the Rule Works.
Reciprocal Concessions.
Rejection-Then-Retreat.
Defense.
Reader's Report.
3.Commitment and Consistency: Hobgoblins of the Mind.
Whirring Along.
Commitment Is the Key.
Defense.
Reader's Report.
4.Social Proof: Truths Are Us.
The Principle of Social Proof.
Cause of Death: Uncertain(ty).
Monkey Me, Monkey Do.
Defense.
Reader's Report.
5.Liking: The Friendly Thief.
Making Friends to Influence People.
Why Do I Like You? Let Me List the Reasons.
Conditioning and Association.
Defense.
Reader's Report.
6.Authority: Directed Deference.
The Power of Authority Pressure.
The Allures and Dangers of Blind Obedience.
Connotation Not Content.
Defense.
Reader's Report.
7.Scarcity: The Rule of the Few.
Less Is Best and Loss Is Worst.
Psychological Reactance.
Optimal Conditions.
Defense.
Reader's Report.
8.Instant Influence: Primitive Consent for an Automatic Age.
Primitive Automaticity.
Modern Automaticity.
Shortcuts Shall Be Sacred.
References.
Credits.
Index.