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Cognitive

Dunning-Kruger Effect

Why incompetent people are often the most confident

Identified by David Dunning and Justin Kruger in 1999. They found that people with low ability at a task often overestimate their ability. They lack the expertise to even realize they are incompetent. Conversely, experts often underestimate themselves, assuming tasks that are easy for them are easy for everyone. Ironically, as you gain more knowledge, your confidence might initially drop as you realize how much you don't know.