The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias where individuals with low ability in a specific domain overestimate their skills, while high performers may underestimate their competencies. This phenomenon arises from a lack of awareness regarding one's own limitations, leading to inflated self-assessments among the less skilled. The effect is often measured by comparing self-evaluation with actual performance across various tasks and domains, from academic achievements to everyday skills.
For instance, a study demonstrated that students with the lowest test scores often rated their performance above their actual results, while top performers typically rated their own performance lower than it was. David Dunning, one of the researchers behind this concept, noted that those unaware of their ignorance are likely to misjudge their abilities.
To mitigate the Dunning–Kruger effect, encourage self-reflection and seek feedback from others. Engage in continuous learning and skill assessments to gain a more realistic understanding of one's abilities.