Set 10: Central Ideas
Explanation
PASSAGE
The following text describes a cognitive bias. The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability. It is related to the cognitive bias of illusory superiority and comes from the inability of people to recognize their lack of ability. Without the self-awareness of metacognition, people cannot objectively evaluate their competence or incompetence. Conversely, highly competent individuals may erroneously assume that tasks easy for them are also easy for others.
Which choice best explains the Dunning–Kruger effect based on the text?
Detailed Explanation
Choice A is the best answer. The text explicitly defines the effect as a bias where 'people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability.' It further explains this is due to an inability to recognize their lack of ability. This matches Choice A.
Choice D is incorrect because the text says competent individuals assume tasks are easy for others, not that they overestimate themselves.
Choice C is incorrect because the text describes a failure to evaluate competence, not accurate assessment.
Choice B is incorrect because learning speed is not mentioned. Remember that supporting details help prove the central idea but are not the main point themselves. The author's central idea should be broad enough to encompass the entire passage while still being specific enough to be meaningful. Ask yourself what the author most wants you to understand.
Key Evidence:
• "people with low ability at a task overestimate their ability"
• "inability of people to recognize their lack of ability"
Why others are wrong: D (Misinterpretation - highly competent make a different error), C (Contradicts text - describes explicit bias/error), B (Irrelevant - text discusses assessment, not learning).
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