Definitionv1DF-630
Authority bias
the cognitive heuristic that automatically attributes greater accuracy to opinions of authority figures, independent of content quality, and functions as a mental shortcut that substitutes 'who said it' for 'is it true'
Why This Is a Definition
This definition precisely establishes 'authority bias' by naming the term, identifying its genus as a cognitive heuristic, and specifying its differentia as automatic attribution of accuracy to authority figures regardless of content quality. It explains the mechanism (mental shortcut) and distinguishes it from rational evaluation by emphasizing the substitution of source credibility for content verification.
Source Lessons
Connections
Defines (30)
AxiomExponential Information DecayAxiomExtended Cognition ThesisAxiomAutomatic Narrative Generation Precedes Conscious EvaluationAxiomDirected Attention as Depletable ResourceAxiomPerception as Predictive ConstructionAxiomHindsight Bias and Calibration NecessityAxiomTwo-Level Metacognitive ArchitectureAxiomExpertise Transforms Perceptual ChunkingAxiomCognitive Dissonance Drives Information AvoidanceAxiomDual Coding Theory: Verbal and Visual ChannelsAxiomConversational Memory Asymmetry From Production PlanningAxiomUltradian and Circadian Cognitive RhythmsAxiomSubcortical Fast-Pathway Threat ProcessingAxiomEmotional Hijacking of JudgmentAxiomEmotion as Systematic Cognitive ModulatorAxiomGlucose-Cognition Dependency ThresholdAxiomBias Blind Spot AsymmetryAxiomExternalization Exposes Hidden StructureAxiomExpertise as Domain-Specific Schema OrganizationAxiomCultural Transmission Through Shared IntentionalityAxiomNo Direct Access to RealityAxiomCognition Operates Through Dual Processing SystemsAxiomAutomatic Pattern PerceptionAxiomHierarchical Chunking Expands CapacityAxiomBasic-Level Category PrivilegeAxiomConstrual Level Effects on PerceptionAxiomYou necessarily trust your own cognitive faculties…AxiomWhen estimating future task duration, people naturally adoptAxiomHuman beings make decisions under conditions of incomplete…AxiomHuman cognition operates through schemas — structured…