The Dunning-Kruger effect

The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where people with low ability in a particular area overestimate their competence. In simpler terms, it’s the idea of being "too ignorant to recognize one's own ignorance."

Wait, what?

Yes, too unaware to realize how much one lacks knowledge or skill. This happens because lacking competence often means lacking the ability to recognize what competence looks like in the first place.

Intelligence is often seen as the opposite of ignorance. Being intelligent means questioning information, analyzing data, and thinking critically before acting. However, someone who lacks these abilities will not realize that there is a level of understanding beyond their own. As a result, they may believe they have already reached the highest level of knowledge, assuming themselves to be highly competent when they are not.

To illustrate this, imagine two twins separated at birth. One is raised in a wealthy family that provides everything he wants without effort, while the other grows up in a poor family where he must work hard for everything he gets.

The rich twin experiences easy success and never needs to analyze situations or put in effort—after all, he can always rely on his privileges. Since critical thinking and learning from experience are unnecessary for him, he never develops these skills.

Meanwhile, the poor twin learns that effort and careful decision-making are essential for success. He must analyze situations, think ahead, and work hard in school to create opportunities for himself.

The rich twin, having never had to struggle or question his own knowledge, may grow up overconfident yet ignorant—while the poor twin, having learned to question and analyze, becomes more intelligent and capable.

Does Learning About the Dunning-Kruger Effect Prevent It?

Simply knowing about the Dunning-Kruger effect does not completely prevent it. Awareness is the first step, but overcoming the bias requires ongoing effort. People must actively seek feedback, challenge their own assumptions, and continue learning throughout life. Those who assume they are immune to the effect may, ironically, still be falling into it.

In short, the Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when ignorance prevents self-awareness. Learning about it helps, but only if one remains open to self-improvement and the possibility of being wrong.