Dunning-Kruger Effect [Post 14]

What is the Dunning-Kruger Effect?

The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where people with low ability or knowledge tend to overestimate themselves.

A prime example of this is the ability of male drivers in the US. AAA has determined that 8 in 10 men think they are above average drivers.1

It is in instances such as this where the peak of “mount stupid” becomes crowded with people. The best part? None of them realize they are there. If everyone was aware of their true abilities, ~50% of people should report themselves as above average at something, not 80%.

Figure 1.

Why am I talking about the Dunning-Kruger Effect?

As a young professional, you naturally know less than those who have spent many years practicing something. The quicker you can identify where your true level of competence lies – the more time and effort you can attribute to your journey up the “slope of enlightenment.”

It is during this phase where you can achieve being above average at something, without falsely proclaiming it to the world.

1

DeBord, M. (2018). Americans are dangerously overconfident in their driving skills -but they're about to get a harsh reality check. Business Insider.

Image

File:dunning–kruger effect 01.SVG. Wikimedia Commons. (2020).