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Authority bias

A compact thinking tool for spotting patterns and avoiding mistakes.

  1. The useful idea

    Authority bias is the tendency to attribute greater accuracy to the opinion of an authority figure (unrelated to its content) and be more influenced by that opinion.

  2. How it works

    An individual is more influenced by the opinion of this authority figure, believing their views to be more credible, and hence place greater emphasis on the authority figure's viewpoint and are more

  3. Why it matters

    This concept is considered one of the social cognitive biases or collective cognitive biases.

Use Authority bias as a quick check before trusting your first conclusion.

Use Authority bias as a quick check before trusting your first conclusion.

Test your recall

Which idea belongs to the explanation of Authority bias?

  • How it works
  • The useful idea — correct
  • Why it matters

Authority bias is the tendency to attribute greater accuracy to the opinion of an authority figure (unrelated to its content) and be more influenced by that opinion.

EvergreenLast verified 2026-07-19

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