The Issue: Cialdini’s discussion of Authority – or the idea that people tend to follow the orders or suggestions of someone that exhibits authority (through things such as title or clothes).
Major Strength: The examples given in the text are incredibly shocking; yet also give a true idea of how the public acts when working with an authority figure. The chapter gives a good description of authority and gives the reader a strong understanding of why the public listens to authority figures.
Major Weakness: Many of studies Cialdini mentions in this chapter were conducted in the 1960’s or 1970’s. While still important and interesting studies, they do not represent what authority might look like today. For example, the study regarding Astrogen does not put into account gender roles. In the 1960’s, when this research was conducted, women were less able (either through stereotypes, job role, etc.) to question a person of authority – especially if that person was male. And, at that time, the majority of nurses were females. This gender gap alone could skew the study results, or at least beg the question of why the nurses listened to the “doctor.”
Underlying assumption: The public puts great emphasis on authority figures and typically listens to what they say, whether it goes against our morals or not.
Provocative Questions:
Has more recent research on authority been conducted? If so, is there a noticeable change?
Do the changes in gender roles, our view on the elderly, and our ability to vocally question authority without reprimand, change how we view authority figures?