The Dunning Kruger effect describes a cognitive bias where people with limited knowledge or skill in a specific area tend to overestimate their abilities and competence in that area. This bias can lead them to incorrectly perceive themselves as more skilled than they are, and also mistakenly underestimate the abilities of others, according to Psychology Today.
Key aspects of the Dunning-Kruger effect:
- Overestimation of Abilities:Individuals lacking expertise or knowledge in a particular domain may be overly confident in their abilities and overestimate how much they understand or know.
- Lack of Metacognition:This bias is often linked to a deficiency in metacognition, the ability to think about one’s own thinking and performance.
- Reverse Effect:While commonly described as a bias of those with low competence, some theorists also discuss the opposite effect, where highly skilled individuals might underestimate their abilities relative to others, according to Britannica.
- Unawareness of Ignorance:Individuals with low competence may not be able to recognize their mistakes or limitations, further reinforcing their inflated sense of ability.
Examples of the Dunning-Kruger effect:
Personally, i think i live most of my life about half way up the Slope of Enlightenment, Or, is this just me sitting on the Peak or Mount Stupid?
But, as a sports coach, i may be able to help, wherever you are.