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emotion
You think your inner emotions are obvious to others.
In a 1998 study, participants drastically overestimated the extent to which observers could detect their internal states.
Researchers asked participants to estimate how many others noticed their discomfort while tasting a drink or lying about a performance. Even though the participants felt exposed, observers rarely perceived these emotions accurately. The gap exists because you are hyper-aware of your own feelings, while others are only viewing your outward behavior.
You are often less readable than your anxiety suggests.
Where this comes from
- Study
- Gilovich, Savitsky, and Medvec, 1998
- What the check found
- The cited study (Gilovich, Savitsky, & Medvec, 1998) is the definitive source for the 'illusion of transparency.' While the provided reference text does not contain the specific quote, the finding is foundational.
- Confidence
- Solid, with limits
Related
One of these every day, and every one names the study it came from. When a finding is contested, it says so.