This is interesting. I’ve seen studies of computers and gender where most men will act like they are knowledgeable, even if they aren’t. Women, like to work without showing off or claiming expertise. There is a tie-in here to behavioral economics, as well, as when you pre-condition expectations and it changes the subject’s behavior.
if you think you know a lot about something, you might want to double-check, lest you fall into the trap of skimming over words and concepts that seem familiar. In addition, the researchers point out that people who believe they know more than they do may be less inclined to pursue further education, or they may give advice about topics they do not fully understand.
(via You Don’t Know as Much as You Think: False Expertise – Scientific American)
Barbara K Iverson 