The Dunning-Kruger Effect
The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a psychological phenomenon where people with limited knowledge or skills in a particular area overestimate their competence. In the context of general knowledge, this means that individuals who know little may feel confident in their understanding and abilities, often believing they are more knowledgeable than they actually are. Conversely, those with greater expertise tend to recognize the complexity of the subject, making them more aware of their limitations. This effect highlights the relationship between competence and self-awareness, illustrating how confidence can be misplaced in areas where individuals lack expertise.
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The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where people with low ability or knowledge in a particular area mistakenly believe they are much more skilled or knowledgeable than they actually are. In the context of general knowledge, this means that individuals who know little about a topic may feel overly confident in their understanding, while those with greater knowledge recognize the complexity of the subject and tend to feel less confident. This effect can lead to overestimation of one’s abilities and underestimation of the expertise required to truly grasp a topic.