Effects of objective evidence of expertness and nonverbal behavior on client-perceived expertness.

The Physical Environment and Counseling: A Review of Theory and Research

“…Status and credibility cues. Studies regarding the effect of displayed credentials, such as diplomas and awards, on perceptions of counselor competence have indicated that visual displays of credentials significantly influence participants' initial perceptions of counselor competence (Heppner & Pew, 1977;Siegel, 1980;Siegel & Sell, 1978;Strong & T h e P h y s i c a l E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o u n s e l i n g Dixon, 1971). Although displayed credentials have been associated with greater perceptions of counselor competence, research by Siegel suggested that counselors' nonverbal behaviors must also reflect expertise for them to be perceived as competent.…”

Do Titles Matter in Sport Psychology? Performer Attitudes Toward Professional Titles and the Effect of a Brief Intervention

“…Additional attributes suggested to merit further investigation include reputation, practical experience and professional title usage (Lubker et al, 2012). Research within the field of counseling has focused on the use and presentation of professional credentials and titles (Bernstein & Figiolo, 1983;Hoyt, 1996;Nasar & Devlin, 2011;Siegel & Sell, 1978), and their impact upon perceived expertness and clients' likelihood to seek consultation. Findings suggest that objective evidence of training (i.e., reputational cues; Hoyt, 1996) significantly contributes to clients' perceptions of expertness and participation in counseling (Atkinson & Carskaddon, 1975;Siegel & Sell, 1978;Strong, 1968;Strong & Dixon, 1971).…”

“…Research within the field of counseling has focused on the use and presentation of professional credentials and titles (Bernstein & Figiolo, 1983;Hoyt, 1996;Nasar & Devlin, 2011;Siegel & Sell, 1978), and their impact upon perceived expertness and clients' likelihood to seek consultation. Findings suggest that objective evidence of training (i.e., reputational cues; Hoyt, 1996) significantly contributes to clients' perceptions of expertness and participation in counseling (Atkinson & Carskaddon, 1975;Siegel & Sell, 1978;Strong, 1968;Strong & Dixon, 1971). When introduced with highly credible titles, consultants are rated greater in attractiveness, expertness, trustworthiness, confidence (Bernstein & Figiolo, 1983), and likelihood of visiting (i.e., using their services) (Paradise, Conway, & Zweig, 1986).…”

The Assistant Principal's Office: What Message Does It Convey?

“…Logic suggests that this relationship might carry over to figures such as assistant principals as well. Research by Heppner and Pew (1977), Siegel and Sell (1978), and Siegel (1980) found that a client's first impression of a counselor's expertise is enhanced by the presence of objects that provide evidence of such expertise-diplomas, certificates, and licenses.…”