Dunning Kruger effect

False confidence is a dangerous thing.

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a type of cognitive bias where individuals with low ability, knowledge, or expertise in a particular domain tend to overestimate their own competence. This occurs because their lack of knowledge prevents them from accurately assessing their own performance or recognizing the abilities of others. On the flip side, individuals who are highly skilled or knowledgeable in a domain often underestimate their own abilities, as they assume others possess similar levels of competence..

This effect has been found to be more pronounced in people with strong negative attitudes to science and more specifically, men. The societal implications of the Dunning-Kruger effect are profound. Individuals who overestimate their abilities are more likely to assert themselves in discussions, make decisions with undue confidence, or take on leadership roles, even when they may not be the best candidates. This can lead to the spread of misinformation, poor decision-making in professional or political arenas, and the marginalization of experts or those with more nuanced understanding. This dynamic is particularly concerning in fields where accurate knowledge is crucial, such as medicine, finance, or governance.