Dunning-Kruger Effect

The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias whereby people with low ability, expertise, or experience regarding a certain type of task or area of knowledge tend to overestimate their ability or knowledge.

The Effect

• Low performers: Tend to overestimate their ability or knowledge
• High performers: Some researchers also include their tendency to underestimate their skills

Why It Happens

People with low ability lack the metacognitive skills to recognize their own incompetence. They don’t know what they don’t know.

Criticisms

Since its first publication, various criticisms of the effect and its explanation have been made.

Opposite

The opposite is [[Imposter Syndrome]] — where competent people doubt their abilities and feel like frauds.

Related Concepts

• [[Imposter Syndrome]] — the opposite effect
• [[Amateur Mindset]] — embracing learning despite imperfection
• [[Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset]] — self-awareness and learning

Definition based on cognitive psychology research.