Which principle describes trust in things that are popular or endorsed by trusted people?

Which principle describes trust in things that are popular or endorsed by trusted people?

• A. Social Proof/Consensus
• B. Reciprocity
• C. Authority/Credibility
• D. Scarcity

Answer: (A)

People often rely on what others are doing or what trusted figures say when they’re unsure, using that as a cue for what’s good or correct. This tendency is called social proof. It explains why things that are popular or endorsed by respected people quickly gain trust—the crowd or a trusted voice signals quality. It’s different from authority/credibility, which focuses on the source’s expertise regardless of popularity, and from reciprocity or scarcity, which rely on different motivational cues.

People often rely on what others are doing or what trusted figures say when they’re unsure, using that as a cue for what’s good or correct. This tendency is called social proof. It explains why things that are popular or endorsed by respected people quickly gain trust—the crowd or a trusted voice signals quality. It’s different from authority/credibility, which focuses on the source’s expertise regardless of popularity, and from reciprocity or scarcity, which rely on different motivational cues.