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Better Than Average Bias
What Is Better Than Average Bias?
In Critical Thinking, Better Than Average Bias is factoring in your own views too heavily.
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.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
- Do you know a bias or fallacy that we've missed?