Overview
Authority can bias perceptions and decisions unfavorably.
Types
| Name | Description | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Authority bias | The tendency to attribute greater accuracy to the opinion of an authority figure (unrelated to its content) and be more influenced by that opinion. | [1] [2] |
Practical Perspectives
- Actively (but diplomatically) identify the HIPPOs in your decision-making discussions.
- Decide proactively instead of deferring to authority.
- Encourage your reports and team to challenge your "authority".
- Design organizations and teams that de-emphasize authority, especially when deciding and interpreting.
Key Research
- From [3]: The authority bias is demonstrated in the case of the highest paid persons' opinion (HIPPO) impact, which describes how employees and other stakeholders in the solution environment tend to go with the opinions and impressions of the highly paid people in an organization. [4]
- The results of the famous Milgram experiment have been challenged, see validity.
Related Fallacies
| Name | Description | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Appeal to authority (argument from authority, argumentum ad verecundiam) | An assertion is deemed true because of the position or authority of the person asserting it. | [5] [6][7] |
| Appeal to accomplishment | An assertion is deemed true or false based on the accomplishments of the proposer. | [5] |
| Courtier's reply | A criticism is dismissed by claiming that the critic lacks sufficient knowledge, credentials, or training to credibly comment on the subject matter. | [5] |
| Appeal to wealth (argumentum ad crumenam) | Supporting a conclusion because the arguer is wealthy (or refuting because the arguer is poor). | [5] [8] |
| Appeal to poverty (argumentum ad Lazarum) | Supporting a conclusion because the arguer is poor (or refuting because the arguer is wealthy). | [5] [8] |
References & Acknowledgements
[1] Wikipedia contributors. "List of cognitive biases." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 14 Jul. 2020. Web. 23 Jul. 2020. link
[2] Milgram S (October 1963). "Behavioral Study of Obedience". Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 67 (4): 371–8. doi:10.1037/h0040525. PMID 14049516.
[3] Wikipedia contributors. "Authority bias." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 13 Feb. 2020. Web. 24 Jul. 2020.
[4] Garrett, John (2018-10-24). Data Analytics for IT Networks: Developing Innovative Use Cases. Cisco Press. ISBN 9780135183441.
[5] Wikipedia contributors. "List of fallacies." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Jul. 2020. Web. 28 Jul. 2020.
[6] Clark, Jef; Clark, Theo (2005). Humbug! The Skeptic's Field Guide to Spotting Fallacies in Thinking. Nifty Books. ISBN 0-646-44477-8. Also available as an ebook.
[7] Walton, Douglas (1997). Appeal to Expert Opinion: Arguments from Authority. Pennsylvania State University. ISBN 0-271-01694-9.
[8] Pirie, Madsen (2006). How to Win Every Argument: The Use and Abuse of Logic. A&C Black. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-8264-9006-3. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
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