People should have a healthy skepticism in applying expert advice to their own
lives using whatever tools may avail them. They often may support their own
purpose, purportedly using views of others who claim expert status, in any
effort to lessen the inherent bargaining disadvantage when negotiating with
those more specialized in a field. Even experts sometimes make mistakes or
make simplifying assumptions because of incomplete information before advancing
conclusions.
Of course much advice from experts should be accorded with proper veneration.
However, I'm a clinical psychologist and I can tell you that some people give
expert opinion in an effort to aggrandize themselves, influence others' actions
towards a more favorable end for the one giving the advice, or simply to cover
up the fact that they may be embarrassed because they feel that they SHOULD know
the answer without further research, but do not, due to human memory
fallibility. Expecting that others universally revere their advice as dogma
often leads to disappointment.
The best advice should be substantiated in a way that is understandable and
acceptable to the non-expert, which requires a contingent technique because of
the diverse views, background, and cognition of those seeking advice. This
transcends the simple support intrinsic in statements, whether or not
verbalized, of "Trust me, I'm a doctor," or even whether or not I recently
lodged at a Holiday Inn.
Oh, by the way, I lied about being a clinical psychologist.
···
________________________________
From: Jim <deucesdamule@yahoo.com>
To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, April 21, 2011 1:01:17 AM
Subject: [vpFREE] Re: Bob Dancer's LV Advisor Column - 19 APR 2011
Couldn't agree more Frank. I'm a service manager at a large domestic auto dealer
and customers ask me for my expert advise on what their vehicle may need as far
as repairs or maintenance. And, almost on a daily basis, there will be a
customer that will argue with me about the answer to their question. They'll say
things like: my cousin told me this or my neighbor told me that or I read this
on the internet. I've been working on this manufacturer's line of products for
almost 30 years, I educate myself on new product information and I'm always open
to to the posibility of coming across something I've never experienced before in
my line. But what I'll never understand is why someone needs to dispute what the
experts in a field suggest and then argue about it.
Why would anyone ask an expert for advise if they have no plans to heed such
advise?
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)