Illusory superiority

Illusory superiority, often referred to as the above-average effect, is a cognitive bias whereby individuals overestimate their own qualities and abilities relative to others. This phenomena leads people to believe they are better than average in various domains, including intelligence, performance, and other competencies.

How it works

This bias arises from our need for maintaining a positive self-image. Psychologically, individuals are motivated to view themselves in a favorable light, which can distort their self-assessments. Illusory superiority is reinforced by phenomena such as the Dunning-Kruger effect, where less competent individuals overestimate their abilities, while more competent ones may underestimate theirs, based on inaccurate self-perception and feedback mechanisms.

Examples

• A student believing they scored in the top tier of a test, only to find out later that their performance was below average.
• Managers consistently rating their leadership skills as above average compared to their peers, despite a lack of evidence or poor feedback.
• Drivers often believing they are more skilled than the majority, leading to overconfidence on the road.

Consequences

Illusory superiority can lead to poor decision-making and risk assessment as individuals may be oblivious to their limitations. In organizations, it can result in ineffective teamwork, with employees overestimating their contributions, whereas in personal contexts, it may hinder learning and self-improvement since individuals are less likely to recognize their areas for growth.

Counteracting

Ways to counteract illusory superiority include encouraging self-reflection and self-awareness practices, soliciting feedback from trusted peers or mentors, and engaging in continuous learning and skill improvement. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may also help individuals recognize and adjust their unrealistic self-perceptions.

Critiques

Some argue that a certain degree of illusory superiority may bolster self-confidence and motivation, serving a positive psychological function. Moreover, measuring the bias is often challenged by social and cultural factors that influence self-representation.

Fields of Impact

Also known as

Relevant Research

• Unskilled and unaware of it: How difficulties in recognizing one's own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessments

  Dunning, D., & Kruger, J. (1999)

  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1121-1134

• Are we all less risky and more skillful than our fellow drivers? Acta Psychologica, 47(2), 143-148

  Svenson, O. (1981)

• The trouble with overconfidence

  Moore, D. A., & Healy, P. J. (2008)

  Psychological Review, 115(2), 502-517