The tendency to attribute greater accuracy to the opinion of an authority figure and be more influenced by that opinion.
Explained
- People grant more credibility to sources they read as expert or official.
- Credentials, endorsements, awards, and a confident professional tone all trigger the effect.
- Under uncertainty, an authority signal becomes a shortcut that replaces independent judgement.
- In products this shows up as expert badges, press logos, and specialist framing.
