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Economics 101-ism and the Dunning-Kruger effect: Reducing overconfidence among introductory macroeconomics students

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  • Sawler, James

Abstract

In numerous subjects, people with the least knowledge also lack the ability to assess how much they don’t know. Specifically, the less competent the individual, the greater is their overconfidence in their knowledge - the Dunning-Kruger effect. However, in order for the incompetent to overestimate their knowledge, they must satisfy a minimal threshold of knowledge that suggests to themselves that they can generate correct answers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sawler, James, 2021. "Economics 101-ism and the Dunning-Kruger effect: Reducing overconfidence among introductory macroeconomics students," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 36(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ireced:v:36:y:2021:i:c:s1477388020300359
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iree.2020.100208
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Martinez, Gabriel X., 2023. "Studying like a nerd: Spacing, self-testing, and explanatory questioning in principles of microeconomics," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 44(C).

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