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The illusion of control is a cognitive bias wherein individuals overestimate their influence over external events. This bias leads them to believe that they have the power to control outcomes that are largely determined by external factors or chance.
The illusion of control occurs when individuals are presented with situations that involve decision-making or perceived choice, leading them to infer a higher level of control than actually exists. The bias is more pronounced when people are actively involved in the situation, given a sense of choice, or when the outcome is personally significant.
The illusion of control can lead to overconfidence in decision-making, risk-taking behaviors, and failure to adequately assess risks. It may result in economic losses, poor strategic decisions, or even harm in situations where realistic assessment of one's control is crucial, such as in health-related behaviors or financial investments.
To mitigate the illusion of control, individuals and organizations can implement strategies such as critical thinking training, encouraging skepticism towards perceived control in uncertain situations, seeking external opinions, relying on factual data and statistics, and emphasizing the role of chance and randomness in decision-making processes.
While the illusion of control is often seen negatively, it can sometimes lead to beneficial outcomes by fostering a proactive stance, boosting morale, and encouraging persistence and effort in the face of challenges. Critics argue that, in some contexts, believing in personal control can be motivational and enhance performance.
The illusion of control
Langer, E. J. (1975)
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32(2), 311-328
Illusion of control: A meta-analytic review
Presson, P. K., & Benassi, V. A. (1996)
Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 11(3), 493-510