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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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