The power of persuasion : how we're bought and sold / Robert Levine.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 245-265) and index.

The illusion of invulnerability or, how can everyone be less gullible than everyone else? -- Who do we trust? experts, honesty, and likability or, the supersalesmen don't look like salesmen at all -- Killing you with kindness or, beware of strangers bearing unexpected gifts -- The contrast principal or, how black gets turned into white -- $2 + $2 = $5 or, learning to avoid stupid mental arithmetic -- The hot button or, how mental shortcuts can lead you into trouble -- Gradually escalating the commitments or, making you say yes by never saying no -- Winning hearts and minds or, the road to perpetual persuasion -- Jonestown or, the dark end of the dark side of persuasion -- The art of resistance or, some unsolicited advice for using and defending against persuasion.

Publisher description: A look behind the curtain of shilling and pitch to see how we are manipulated everyday Robert Levine offers readers an incisive new take on the mindsets of those who prod, praise, debase, and manipulate others to do things they never thought they'd do-and are sometimes later sorry they did. He takes a hands-on approach by attending training sessions for magicians honing their craft and by taking jobs as a door-to-door salesman and a used car salesman. Levine explores the remarkable effect and power of subtlety on effective persuasion, the great illusion of personal vulnerability, and the unlikely similarities across a wide range of persuasive strategies, from parents to con men to lovers to religious leaders. Robert Levine (Fresno, CA) is Professor and former chairperson of the Psychology Department at California State University, Fresno.