Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A person who has extensive knowledge, experience, or skills in a particular field or subject matter, often recognized and respected by others in that domain.
Related terms
Authority Bias: The tendency for individuals to be more persuaded by someone perceived as an authority figure or expert, even if their expertise may not directly relate to the topic at hand.
Credibility: The trustworthiness and reliability attributed to a person's expertise or information. It plays a crucial role in persuading others to accept their arguments or beliefs.
Knowledge Gap: The difference between what an expert knows about a subject compared to what others know. Experts can use this gap strategically to persuade by presenting new information that fills that gap.