Dunning–Kruger effect
Say it: DUN-ing KROO-guh ih-FEKT /ˌdʌnɪŋ ˈkruːɡər ɪˌfɛkt/ · noun
What “Dunning–Kruger effect” means
Low skill can make people overestimate how good they are.
More precisely: The tendency for people with low skill in an area to overestimate their ability.
When to use it
In careful discussion of self-assessment, when someone with little skill rates their own ability much higher than their performance supports.
Similar words
illusory superiority, overconfidence
Where it comes from
Named after psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger, who described it in 1999.
Quick check
A beginner scores poorly at a task but sincerely rates their ability far above their performance. Which effect could help explain this?
Dunning–Kruger effect or impostor syndrome?
Show the answer
Dunning–Kruger effect
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “Dunning–Kruger effect”