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Reevaluating the Dunning-Kruger effect: A response to and replication of Gignac and Zajenkowski (2020)

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  • Dunkel, Curtis S.
  • Nedelec, Joseph
  • van der Linden, Dimitri

Abstract

As applied to general intelligence, the Dunning-Kruger effect (DK) is the phenomenon in which individuals at the lower end of the intellectual ability distribution are more likely to overestimate their intelligence. In a recent article in Intelligence it was suggested that the DK is primarily a statistical artifact and, indeed, the application of more appropriate analyses led to a failure to replicate a significant effect. When some of the limitations (namely sample representativeness) were addressed and the more appropriate statistical methods were used in the current study, our analyses illustrated a statistically significant DK effect. However, the magnitude of the effect was minimal; bringing its meaningfulness into question. In conclusion, it is recommended that the conditions that result in a significant DK be further explored.

Suggested Citation

  • Dunkel, Curtis S. & Nedelec, Joseph & van der Linden, Dimitri, 2023. "Reevaluating the Dunning-Kruger effect: A response to and replication of Gignac and Zajenkowski (2020)," Intelligence, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intell:v:96:y:2023:i:c:s0160289622000988
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2022.101717
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Krajc, Marian & Ortmann, Andreas, 2008. "Are the unskilled really that unaware? An alternative explanation," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 724-738, November.
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