FAMOUS PERSON OR INSTITUTION BIAS:

When a person over-values the findings from a research study because it was published by a famous person, or came from a famous institution¹. Famous Person or Institution Bias is a specific type of Interpretive Bias, and similar to Prestige Bias.

Often some people assume that study results are more important or valid, if they are conducted by, or come from prestigious institutions, or famous people vs. others. A famous institution may be labeled as famous because it is older, wealthier (because it is older), and/or receives more media attention, despite its quality. Thus, all studies should be evaluated for their quality irrespective of where they were conducted, or who published them. Also see: Interpretive Bias, and Prestige Bias.

Reference:

1. Earl-Slater A. The Handbook of Clinical Trials and Other Research. Abingdon: Radcliffe Medical Press Ltd. 2002. (Link to Reference)