6 checked facts

Metacognition

Everything on this site about metacognition — each one naming the study behind it.

Your brain hides its lack of preparation from you.
A 2002 study showed that people believe they have a deeper understanding of complex mechanical devices than they actua…
You cannot accurately explain how a zipper works.
The illusion of explanatory depth causes you to overestimate your understanding.…
You assume you understand everyday objects better than you do.
The illusion of explanatory depth reveals that people believe they understand complex systems until asked to explain t…
You are most confident when you know the least.
The 1999 study found that individuals performing in the lowest quartiles of certain tasks significantly overestimate t…
You understand your own car less than you think.
Participants in a 2002 study overestimated their ability to explain how zippers and toilets work.…
You believe you understand how a simple zipper works.
A 2002 study showed that people consistently overestimate their grasp of complex systems until they are forced to expl…