Persuasion and Influence in American Life

The current edition of this excellent, accessible survey of various approaches to persuasion incorporates the sometimes-tumultuous political and national events of the new millennium. It also devotes attention to theories and models that track the flow of influence through the filter of the electronic media and to models of media influence, especially refinements of agenda-setting theory. Those familiar with earlier editions will note that some chapters have been simplified and streamlined, while others have grown to include newer theories and cases. The text equips readers with the tools to handle, in a credible, ethical manner, the enormous diversity of persuasive activities going on around them. Its engaging blend of classical persuasion, social psychology, theory, and practice provides them with a solid foundation to think critically about the persuasion of others and to become effective persuaders themselves.