Ever heard of the bank robber who thought lemon juice on his face would make him invisible to security cameras? And now you might ask yourself how this was the origin of the dunning Kruger effect? 🙂
Professor David Dunning red a newspaper article about this sub-clever bank robber ² and started to set up tests with his PhD student Justin Kruger.
The Dunning Kruger effect highlights the tendency for individuals to overestimate their abilities in areas where they lack competence while underestimating their skills in areas where they excel. This cognitive bias can lead to misguided confidence or self-doubt, impacting decision-making and personal development.
One example of the Dunning-Kruger Effect is evident in novice learners who may exhibit unwarranted confidence due to their limited understanding of a subject. For instance, someone learning a new skill might believe they’re highly proficient after early successes, unaware of the complexities ahead.
Conversely, experienced individuals may underestimate their abilities due to their nuanced understanding of the subject, attributing their success to external factors rather than their competence.
To mitigate the Dunning-Kruger Effect, individuals can adopt strategies such as embracing a growth mindset, seeking feedback from mentors, and engaging in continuous self-assessment. By cultivating humility and self-awareness, individuals can recognize their limitations and strive for improvement, ultimately unlocking their full potential.
Or as professor Kruger recommends: “In doubt, ask others.”
As far as we know, no other bank robber tried the trick with the lemon juice 🙂
Links
² https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Greater_Pittsburgh_bank_robberies
Albrecht Günther 