Have you ever encountered someone who spoke with great conviction about a topic they clearly lacked sufficient knowledge of? Such situations arise in various areas of life, from discussions about politics to medicine and even sports. This is an example of the Dunning-Kruger effect – a cognitive bias that causes unskilled individuals in a particular field to overestimate their abilities, while experts tend to downplay theirs.
This phenomenon has serious consequences in everyday life and work. It can lead to poor decision-making, hinder teamwork, and even influence public policy when incompetent individuals take the lead on crucial issues. The discovery made by Justin Kruger and David Dunning in 1999 was a milestone in understanding why confidence often stems not from knowledge, but from ignorance.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what the Dunning-Kruger effect is, how it affects our lives, and what strategies can help minimise it. We will also provide examples from daily life that show how common this phenomenon is – from endless debates about “simple” solutions to complex problems to the dangerous confidence of individuals who ignore experts. It's time to reflect on whether we ourselves fall into this trap of thinking, and what we can do to avoid it.
A colleague seems to have caught the Nobel disease. He speaks on matters of children without having any of his own and criticises psychologists without being one himself. What do you think about that?
Overestimating one's own competence by unqualified individuals
Let's look at various psychological phenomena that can influence such behaviours, illustrating them with examples.
In a world full of information
In a world full of information, paradoxically, the phenomenon of individuals with limited knowledge displaying extraordinary confidence is on the rise. This mechanism reveals a fascinating cognitive process, where ignorance of a subject leads to an exaggerated belief in one’s abilities.
Imagine a scenario where someone, after watching a few medical documentaries, begins to publicly question the knowledge of doctors, claiming that “they don’t understand this.” This example perfectly illustrates the mechanism where superficial knowledge of a subject creates a false sense of expertise.
This phenomenon is multidimensional. The apparent simplicity of some issues can lead to the false impression that they are fully understood. Economics is a perfect example of this. Who of us doesn’t have a wallet, but are those who possess money financiers?
Lack of opposition reinforces
An interesting mechanism is also one in which the absence of opposition reinforces erroneous beliefs. In debates, it is often possible to observe situations where bold but factually unsupported opinions go unchallenged, which only strengthens their apparent credibility. Particularly dangerous is the halo effect, where success in one area automatically creates the illusion of competence in other areas. A Nobel laureate in literature speaking about child psychology without the appropriate preparation is a classic example of this phenomenon.
Cognitive mechanisms further complicate the situation. People are naturally inclined to seek information that confirms their own views, while ignoring data that contradicts their beliefs. This also applies to the tendency to generalise based on individual experiences or easily accessible examples.
The spread of misinformation
The consequences of these phenomena are serious. In the public sphere, we increasingly observe how celebrities, politicians, and influencers speak authoritatively on scientific, medical, or social issues, contributing to the spread of misinformation. The key to countering these phenomena is awareness of their existence and promoting critical thinking. Education, openness to different perspectives, and willingness to verify one's own beliefs are effective defences against the illusion of competence.
It is important to remember that true wisdom does not lie in confidence, but in the ability to acknowledge the limits of one's knowledge and the willingness to continue learning.
Child psychologists under attack
Child psychologists are specialists with advanced knowledge in developmental psychology, which allows them to understand the complex emotional, cognitive, and behavioural processes that occur in the world of children. Their work requires not only specialist education but also the ability to establish a delicate rapport with young patients, understand their non-verbal signals, and interpret behaviours in the context of individual development.
The consequences of undermining their competence are multifaceted and deeply concerning. There may be situations where children, discouraged by the negative perception of therapy, completely give up seeking psychological help, even when it is genuinely needed. This leads to unresolved emotional issues that can affect their entire future life.
A serious risk is the delay or complete abandonment of the diagnosis of severe developmental disorders. Early intervention in cases such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or anxiety disorders is crucial for a child's proper functioning, and its absence can lead to lasting deficits in social and educational functioning.
Another dramatic dimension of devaluing the work of child psychologists is the risk of leaving children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or traumatic events without support.
These specialists are often the first to recognise troubling signals and can take protective actions to shield the most vulnerable, saving them from the long-term negative consequences of harmful experiences.
The stigma associated with seeking psychological help can lead to deep trauma and a sense of shame in a child. Instead of viewing therapy as a natural form of support, the child may begin to feel marked, different, or inferior, which can significantly lower their self-esteem and hinder their emotional development.
What might be concerning in adolescent behaviour?
Concerning behaviours in adolescents, such as social withdrawal, mood swings, aggression, poor academic performance, or risky behaviour, often raise questions in parents and teachers about the need for psychological support. Although such behaviours can be signs of deeper emotional difficulties, the stigma surrounding child psychology can discourage young people from seeking help, which makes it harder to address problems at an early stage. A visit to a psychologist should be viewed as any other form of health care – natural and necessary.
The stigmatization of psychological support for children is often based on the mistaken belief that seeking specialist help signifies “weakness” or “pathology.” However, child psychologists not only diagnose problems but, above all, help solve them by teaching adolescents healthy coping strategies for stress, emotions, and conflicts. Early intervention, such as in cases of concentration difficulties or isolation, can prevent more serious problems in adulthood. Moreover, regular conversations with a psychologist help build mental resilience and develop social skills, which are crucial for adolescent development.
Conclusion
Criticism without factual basis can have serious, long-term consequences for the mental well-being of children. By supporting adolescents in seeking psychological help, society can contribute to normalising the topic of mental health. This is an important step towards open dialogue, which not only helps break the taboo but also teaches young people that caring for their well-being is as important as taking care of their physical health.
Psychology is based on scientific evidence and professional ethics. Psychologists are required to use recognised methods and tools, as well as to continue their education. A key element of their work is also reflecting on their own limitations and being ready to consult with other specialists in difficult cases.
Infallibility is not possible in any profession, but psychologists have mechanisms, such as supervision and standardisation of methods, that help minimise the risk of errors. Open communication with the client is also key – mutual trust and engagement in the therapeutic process significantly increase the effectiveness of the help provided.
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