Why Incompetence Fails to Recognize Itself with Professor David Dunning

Why Incompetence Fails to
Recognize Itself

David Dunning

Professor of Psychology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Faculty Associate in the Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research

 

Professor Dunning discusses the psychology underlying the notorious "Dunning-Kruger Effect," where people remain unaware of their incompetence and ignorance, thus left with illusions of expertise they do not have (a condition that visits all of us sooner or later). He touches on its implications for health, education, the workplace, politics—as well as the digital age. Dunning (with Justin Kruger) received the 2023 Grawemeyer Award in Psychology for the work, which has been featured internationally on National Public Radio Public Broadcasting Service, The British Broadcasting Service, The New York Times, and other venues. Even Doonesbury.