Why we are unaware of how unaware we are

[Snowlark]

@crashproof

At least we’re aware that we’re unaware of how unaware we are.

It’s aware unawareness, all the way down.

[jamesnsc]

I fear that Trumps experience would be similar to Zaphod Beeblebrox’s experience in the Total Perspective Vortex

[anon50609448]

@jsroberts

The DK effect could be more associated with the human urge to have a cohesive narrative and to tie up loose ends, obscuring the gaps in our knowledge.

Whether or not I agree that this is a “human” urge, DK isn’t just about people spouting off to the media, it’s about 90%* of people thinking they are above average drivers. It’s not charisma or flat organization structure, it’s just plain arrogance.

* Made up number that isn’t totally out of line with reality

[Vert]

@jamesnsc

I fear hope against hope that Trumps experience would will be similar to Zaphod Beeblebrox’s experience in the Total Perspective Vortex

Edited to agree with my own view of reality.

[Vert]

@anon50609448

As long as we remember that Dunning-Kruger is a cultural rather than a human phenomenon. This is primarily about North America having a culture of arrogance.

Interesting—have there been similar studies with subjects from non-Western cultures?

Totally agree about the culture of arrogance. How often we throw around inane clichés like “fake it till you make it” or “ask for forgiveness, not for permission.” This is why all our politicos and CEOs are charlatan sociopaths.

[anon50609448]

@Vert

Interesting—have there been similar studies with subjects from non-Western cultures?

That’s what I’ve read, though I don’t know the studies in particular. Apparently in east Asia people typically underestimated their ability, though one part of it held - the more people knew the more they underestimated their ability. In North America that goes from overestimation among the incompetent to underestimation among the competent. In east Asia it goes from mild underestimation among the incompetent to extreme underestimation among the competent.

[Nonentity]

@crashproof

At least we’re aware that we’re unaware of how unaware we are.

I just only skimmed an unimportant part of the article and didn’t see how long it was, so I think I’m unaware of how aware I am of how unaware I am of how unaware I am of how unaware I am.

And now I’ve got something new to run through that sentence structure visualizer…