In my final project I would like to explore the idea of scientific authority. That is, the extent to which the position of a scientist guarantees him the credulity of the normal person. Now, this is different than just the appearance of a scientist. This is not a study of the effects the easily recognizable trappings of a scientist on the opinions of those he is trying to persuade. This project is meant to look at someone who legitimately holds authority in his field: he has been published, has established colleagues who will vouch for his credibility, he has a diploma (funny how I keep using "he," though I do usually stick to the conventions of English instead of using "they," it's still an interesting thought). Of course he still will wear the stereotypical white lab coat and glasses, but this is more reinforcement of his role than the entire focus. There was a story recently in the news that turned my attention in this direction. There too is the fact that so many of the world's greatest scientists and thinkers from Pythagoras to [what was his name? I'll have to edit this later] also embraced other ideas that were entirely nonsensical, but gained many believers because of their intellectual sway.
It seems I'm running on without actually explaining my project, so here is what I am proposing to do. I will have a scientist, the real thing, in the Actlab who will defend an unscientifically sound claim. He will use his position and authority in his field to defend his position, even turning to mathematical obfuscation if necessary. He will have brought his diploma with him, and any credentials he can, so that his authenticity is beyond doubt.
Now, of course, I probably won't be able to find such a scientist and persuade him to perform, so I will probably have to settle for an actor (and fabricate as much authenticity (and therefore authority?) as I can). Also I've considered building a small pedestal for the actor to stand on, so he's always standing above the crowd under a spotlight positioned directly above for emphasis. I will have at least one plant in the audience to feed him questions he's ready for, and perhaps persuade the others that the scientist is probably right, and that they oughtn't disbelieve him. What will happen? Who knows. Hopefully the actor will be able to hold his own without blowing his cover.

I envision the combination of the pedestal and lighting to look somewhat like this. Click the image for a short animation (81k, divx5 required).