To answer the question if there's scientific research on this topic - I wasn't able to find anything of value on an, admittedly, quite cursory Google Scholar search. 

In fact, given the high element of subjectivity in 'finding a text sounding authoritative', I think this question may be more suitable for [Writing.SE][1]. However, since the question is heavily upvoted, and since it does indeed touch on the Psychological Sciences, I'll give my two-cents worth based on two non-scientific, non-peer-reviewed book quotes and a regular website entry.

[Online Writing Training][2] says:

> One of the main reasons why the passive voice gets such a bad name is that many [] writers overuse it to make their writing seem more formal and **authoritative**. The result is often turgid, difficult-to-read prose. Take this example

Lebrun Jean-luc says in his book [Scientific Writing 2.0: A Reader And Writer's Guide][3]

> [The] passive voice [] give[s] the paper a more authoritative disembodies voice,...

As a last example, William M. Vatavuk states in his book [Marketing Yourself with Technical Writing: A Guide for Today's Professionals][4]:
>Maybe technical writers feel that  that the passive voice is more formal, more professional sounding, and that it gives their writing a more authoritative ring...

I think that last quote is important: people feel that way, but it's entirely a subjective thing; some may find the passive voice boring, others may regard it as authoritative.


  [1]: https://writing.stackexchange.com/
  [2]: http://onlinewritingtraining.com.au/2015/06/when-to-use-the-active-voice/
  [3]: https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/8156#t=toc
  [4]: http://maktaba.ku.ac.ke/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=52249