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Better-Than-Average Bias
What Is Better-Than-Average Bias?
The Quick Answer
In Critical Thinking, better-than-average bias is factoring in your own views too heavily.Here's a short example to illustrate better-than-average bias:
Imagine a group of students taking a test and being asked to rate their performance compared to their classmates. Despite the statistical reality that only about half of the students can be above average, a significant portion of the students may rate themselves as above average or in the top percentile. This bias manifests as a widespread belief that one's own abilities or qualities are superior to those of others.
Better-than-average bias can be observed across various aspects of life and in different individuals. For example, studies have shown that a large majority of people rate themselves as above average drivers or as having an above-average sense of humour. This bias can also be found in domains such as work performance, academic abilities, or interpersonal skills.The better-than-average bias can stem from several factors, including self-enhancement motivations, social comparison, and limited introspection. It helps individuals maintain a positive self-image and boosts self-esteem by perceiving oneself as superior to others. However, it can lead to a lack of self-awareness, overconfidence, and an underestimation of others' abilities.
Recognizing and mitigating better-than-average bias involves being open to feedback, seeking objective information, and embracing a realistic assessment of one's strengths and weaknesses. It requires a willingness to acknowledge that not everyone can be above average in every aspect and that there is value in recognizing and appreciating the abilities and qualities of others.

Easy Definition of Better-Than-Average Bias
If you're not as good as you think you are, you are suffering from better-than-average bias.
"The average person thinks he isn't."
(Father Larry Lorenzoni)
(Father Larry Lorenzoni)
Academic Definition of Better-Than-Average Bias
In decision-making and reasoning, this bias is caused by placing too much emphasis on a premise that you discovered or that aligns with your own views.
An Example of Better-Than-Average Bias
50% of people are below average

Also, remember this. Your immediate peers are not the only people in your test group. Everyone else in the world is, including all the surgeons, lawyers, pilots, etc.
Another Example of Better-Than-Average Bias
We're all individuals...I'm not
There is a theory that it's easier to find favorable things about an individual than a group. (This includes when you are comparing yourself to a group.) This is quite understandable. After all, the favorable traits of a group are a difficult thing to think about. I mean, how generous were your classmates at school? It's hard to answer, isn't it? But, if you ask how generous was Sarah? It's easier. And, you're quite likely to judge Sarah as having above-average generosity. The problem is you'll also do this for John, Jane, Steven, and Paul. Judging people's driving ability is great example. Everyone I know is an above-average driver...definitely according to them (due to the added vanity effect) but also according to me (due to the individual-versus-group effect).A Practical Application for Better-Than-Average Bias
Compared to groups, the positive traits of individuals are more believable

Woodhouse Fire Safety has been providing first-class fire-safety consultancy to large corporations for over 20 years. Our bespoke solutions are cost effective and practicable.
Those kinds of write-ups are becoming tiresome and unconvincing. For extra believability, try talking about an individual:
You will be working with John Smith from Woodhouse Fire Safety. John joined our company straight from university and has progressed through our ranks to become one of our most respected specialists. With over 5 years' experience as a senior consultant to large corporations, John is a personable, straight-talking pragmatist and a good listener.
A Practical Application for Better-Than-Average Bias
Keep questioning your decisions

A Practical Application for Better-Than-Average Bias
Keep questioning yourself
Here's a quotation I came across:"Think of how stupid the average person is and then realise that half of 'em are stupider than that."(George Carlin)

But, actually, he hasn't. Stupider is a word. Had I attacked the author for his quote, I would have looked pretty stupid. Luckily, aware that I might be suffering from better-than-average bias, I decided to research whether "stupider" was an acceptable alternative of "more stupid." It is. Embarrassment averted.
Summary of Better-than-Average Bias
If you think someone is placing too much emphasis on their own view (because they think they're better than there are) or is overly praising an average individual, tell them their claim is tainted by better-than-average bias.Critical Thinking Test
Are you good at spotting the biases, fallacies, and other cognitive effects? Can you spot when statistics have been manipulated? Can you read body language? Well, let's see!
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