Dunning-Kruger Effect
Cognitive bias where people with low ability overestimate their competence, while high performers may underestimate theirs.
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 (note not yet created).
Related Concepts
- Imposter Syndrome — the opposite effect (note not yet created)
- [[Amateur Mindset]] — embracing learning despite imperfection
- [[Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset]] — self-awareness and learning
Definition based on cognitive psychology research.
3 notes link here
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