Authority

The issue: Cialdini talks about authority, the idea people will usually follow orders of someone that exhibits.

Major strength: Cialdini includes some excellent examples of authority, including Milgram’s study (which I learned about freshman year and still gives me chills when I read about it today) and people listening or giving more respect to those in the medical field because they are wearing a white coat or played one in a television show.

Major weakness: While Cialdini includes some fine examples, some are quite old – Milgram’s study in particular. It makes one wonder if things have changed over the decades. I also have a hard time believing that people would listen to someone’s recommendation because of a role that they played in a television show. Also, are automobiles really a sign of authority?

Underlying assumption: Given the choice, people would rather listen to an “authority figure” than their own common sense or logic.

Provocative questions: Do gender roles or age play any role in authority/the chance that one would listen to a perceived authority figure?

If Milgram’s test was performed again today, would the results be the same?

Since cars are considered a sign of authority, which cars are the most authoritative?

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