Better-Than-Average Bias

by Craig Shrives

What Is Better-Than-Average Bias?

Better-than-average bias, also known as the "above-average effect" or "illusory superiority," is a cognitive bias in which individuals overestimate their own abilities, qualities, or performance relative to others. It is the tendency to believe that one is better than the average person in various domains, such as intelligence, attractiveness, driving skills, or personality traits.

Here's a short example to illustrate better-than-average bias: 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.

An Example of Better-Than-Average Bias

50% of people are below average

Half the people in the world are – by definition – below average, but few people classify themselves as such. Better-than-average bias is the tendency to think you're better than you are and to afford your own views more credence than they deserve. Most people suffer from better-than-average bias. The obvious, egocentric explanation is that it makes us feel better about ourselves, so there is an element of vanity involved. But there is another factor at play. People are predisposed to give more weight to their own views because they can easily appreciate the factors that got them to that position. It is always harder to see things from other people's perspectives because they might weight the factors completely differently or have other factors you have not considered. As a consequence, their views will often look a little skewed to you, and your ideas will always seem better than average. It's part of the reason why you'll be confident in your general better-than-averageness.

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

Instead of describing how great your company is, try describing how great the individual who would work with your client is (using evidence-flavored words.) If you do this, your attempt to sell the excellence of your service will bore deeper into your client's conscience. (You can still weave in some stuff about your company for context.) So, this is the usual gumpf you read in business literature and on websites:
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

So, are you better than average? There's a fair chance you are. Unfortunately, there's an equal chance you're not. Be careful not to overestimate your abilities. Have confidence, but keep questioning your decisions. Systematic self-auditing is always healthy. A good team of analysts will have learned to systemically review the assumptions that underpin their assessments. It's a healthy process – armed with today's knowledge, it often becomes apparent that yesterday's assumptions were flawed.

A Practical Application for Better-Than-Average Bias

Keep questioning yourself

Here's a quotation I came across: I think it's a safe assumption that George Carlin thinks he's smarter than average. But, is he? Is "stupider" a word? Shouldn't it be "more stupid"? Hasn't he just made himself look a bit stupid by throwing a basic grammar error into a quotation berating others for their intellect? That would be a good example of irony.

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.

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! Show Instructions

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