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I came across this Cornell University scientific study while doing some research earlier today and thought it would be helpful in better understanding our local politicians.
The Dunning-Kruger effect describes a cognitive bias in which people perform poorly on a task, but lack the meta-cognitive capacity to properly evaluate their performance. As a result, such people remain unaware of their incompetence and accordingly fail to take any self-improvement measures that might rid them of their incompetence.
2nd Definition: The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which an unskilled person makes poor decisions and reaches erroneous conclusions, but their incompetence denies them the meta-cognitive ability to realize their mistakes.[1] The unskilled therefore suffer from illusory superiority, rating their own ability as above average, much higher than it actually is.
This leads to the situation in which less competent people rate their own ability higher than more competent people. It also explains why actual competence may weaken self-confidence: because competent individuals falsely assume that others have an equivalent understanding. "Thus, the miscalibration of the incompetent stems from an error about the self, whereas the miscalibration of the highly competent stems from an error about others."
Posted : November 21, 2010 7:10 pm
Where is the "like" button when you need it??(tu)(tu)
Posted : November 21, 2010 7:22 pm
Yeah, that is awesome. Thanks Carlstx!
Posted : November 21, 2010 9:47 pm
Does the Dunning-Kruger effect explain how local voters vote for local politicians?
Posted : November 21, 2010 11:38 pm
well, as someone who has never worked for the government, i must say that this theory could apply in any sector, industry or group.
people are given titles based on how much time they spend in a university, for example, but a degree cannot make you a leader.
people earn certificates for completing courses, but without experience, can do more harm than good.
people form hierarchies during unusual circumstances such as post-disaster that may not jibe with "real life"; talent and ability come out.
on the one hand, i am happy to see that this phenomenon has been given some time and attention.
on the other hand, i think that people are much more aware of themselves than we give them credit for being, and don't deserve such a 'pass'...
Posted : November 22, 2010 6:33 am
I will say that I think you are generally very intelligent and well spoken, Miss Davis, but...
well, as someone who has never worked for the government, i must say that this theory could apply in any sector, industry or group.
"The hypothesized phenomenon was tested in a series of experiments performed by Justin Kruger and David Dunning, then both of Cornell University. Kruger and Dunning noted earlier studies suggesting that ignorance of standards of performance is behind a great deal of incompetence. This pattern was seen in studies of skills as diverse as reading comprehension, operating a motor vehicle, and playing chess or tennis."
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Dunning-Kruger
I've known about this study for many years. Chalk it up to reading too much =)
What you said in the rest of your post is true. For example, you mention educational degrees. I have only completed the 9th grade, yet when I worked at a technical college in the continental North East, in charge of the computers for the Health/Cosmetology building, the professor who was in charge of all the computing on campus once flat out told me, "I wish I knew half of what you know about computers."
From what I have observed of people, not all, but quite a few are fit for the "Dunning–Kruger effect" label, including many in my family - people that I generally give a free pass to.
Posted : November 22, 2010 8:05 am
Does that mean that the legislature and the voters (here and in the states) are "ignorant" or "stupid" ?
Posted : November 22, 2010 2:28 pm
My favorite studies are the ones which support my long-held opinions, and I've never failed to find them (both studies and opinons).
Posted : November 23, 2010 10:33 am
Hmm what about the Peter Principle?
Posted : November 26, 2010 4:58 am
