Dunning-Kruger effect

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Revision as of 08:02, 20 July 2014 by imported>Doug Williamson (Add 'exactly' before 'the same'.)
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Behavioural economics.

The Dunning-Kruger effect is an irrational tendency among certain incompetent individuals systematically to overestimate their true level of competence.

In simple terms, the Dunning-Kruger effect is the reverse of the Impostor syndrome.

A possible explanation for the Dunning Kruger effect is that the skills to assess the level of competence correctly are exactly the same skills as are needed to perform the substantive task competently.

The Dunning-Kruger effect can be 'cured' with even a relative moderate amount of appropriate training.


Such tendencies to assess evidence incorrectly are known collectively as 'cognitive bias'.


See also