Dunning and Kruger found that people with below-average competence significantly overestimate their performance, and conversely, people with above-average ability slightly underestimate their performance. If the subjects are given the results of others and have to re-evaluate their performance, the underperformer will not change.

Competence breeds humility: Conversely, individuals who have true expertise in a given field tend to underestimate their abilities and assume that others are equally qualified, leading to a sense of humility.

Cognitive bias: The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias that distorts the way people perceive themselves and their abilities. It often leads individuals to make poor judgments, both about their own abilities and the competences of others.

Why is that?

There are several possible explanations for the Dunning-Kruger effect. One of them is that people with low abilities do not have enough knowledge and experience to properly judge their own performance. Another possibility is that low-ability people tend to mistakenly believe that they are better than they actually are.

Incompetence leads to overconfidence: People who lack knowledge or skills in a certain area often overestimate their abilities in that area. This overestimation arises from their inability to recognize the depth of their own ignorance.

Examples of the Dunning-Kruger effect

The Dunning-Kruger effect can be observed in many different areas, such as management, politics, sports or personal life.

• In the area of management, people with low managerial skills may feel that they are excellent leaders even when their teams are performing averagely or even below average.

• In politics, people with low knowledge of political issues may feel that they are policy experts, even though their opinions are based on incorrect information.

• In the field of sports, people with low sports skills may feel that they are natural talents, even if their performance is inferior to that of other players.

• In the area of personal life, people with low social skills may feel that they are popular and socially successful, even though they are often rejected or feel lonely.

• Novice drivers: Novice drivers often have more confidence in their driving skills than experienced drivers. They may believe that they are excellent drivers despite their lack of experience and higher likelihood of accidents.

• Overconfidence in the workplace: Employees who are new to the job may overestimate their skills and underestimate the complexity of their tasks. This can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings and misjudgments in the workplace.

• Student Self-Assessment: Students may believe that they are well prepared for exams when in reality they have not studied or understood the material well enough. This can result in poor academic performance.

• Health Misinformation: Individuals who lack medical knowledge may reject professional advice and rely on unverified sources, putting their health and well-being at risk.

How to avoid the Dunning-Kruger effect?

Recognizing and addressing the Dunning-Kruger effect is essential to personal and professional growth. The Dunning-Kruger effect can be dangerous because it can lead to bad decisions and rash actions. There are several ways to avoid it:

• Be open to criticism. If someone tells you that you are doing something wrong, don’t get defensive and try to learn from their feedback. Regularly reflect on your skills and knowledge and be open to the possibility that you may not be as competent as you think.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are not sure how to do something, ask someone who is an expert in the field. Encourage constructive criticism from peers, mentors, or superiors to gain a more accurate understanding of your abilities.

• Be objective. Try to assess your own performance as objectively as possible.

• Continuous learning. Make a conscious effort to expand your knowledge and skills in areas where you may be lacking. Take a humble approach by recognizing that there is always something to learn and room for improvement.

Conclusion

The Dunning-Kruger effect serves as a reminder of the human tendency to overestimate our abilities when we lack knowledge or experience in a certain area. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, humility and commitment to lifelong learning. By recognizing the limitations of our own competence, we can make more informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and foster personal growth and development.