Researchers conducted a field experiment in a busy metropolitan train station to investigate public responsiveness to instructions during minor disruptions. An actor stood near a temporarily closed escalator next to a sign pointing to alternative stairs. When commuters approached, the actor directed them to take a much longer, circuitous route.
For half of the trials, the actor wore a high-visibility transit authority uniform with a badge. For the other half, the actor wore casual everyday clothes. When the actor was dressed in the authority uniform, 82% of the commuters complied with the instruction. In contrast, when wearing casual clothes, only 14% of commuters complied. In brief follow-up interviews, commuters who complied with the uniformed actor stated they did so because they "assumed the person had official responsibility" and "it felt like the rule to follow".
Explain why the study described in 'The Authority Signal' article can be placed within the social area of psychology.