The better-than-average effect in comparative self-evaluation: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

The better-than-average-effect (BTAE) is the tendency for people to perceive their abilities, attributes, and personality traits as superior compared with their average peer. This article offers a comprehensive review of the BTAE and the first quantitative synthesis of the BTAE literature. We define the effect, differentiate it from related phenomena, and describe relevant methodological approaches, theories, and psychological mechanisms. Next, we present a comprehensive meta-analysis of BTAE studies, including data from 124 published articles, 291 independent samples, and more than 950,000 participants. Results indicated that the BTAE is robust across studies (dz = 0.78, 95% CI [0.71, 0.84]), with little evidence of publication bias. Further, moderation tests suggested that the BTAE is larger in the case of personality traits than abilities, positive as opposed to negative dimensions, and in studies that (a) use the direct rather than the indirect method, (b) involve many rather than few dimensions, (c) sample European Americans rather than East-Asians (especially for individualistic traits), and (d) counterbalance self and average peer judgments. Finally, the BTAE is moderately associated with self-esteem (r = .34) and life satisfaction (r = .33). Results from selection model analyses clarify areas of the BTAE literature in which publication bias may be of elevated concern. Discussion highlights theoretical and empirical implications.

Financial well-being, COVID-19, and the financial better-than-average-effect

“…This hints to a financial better-thanaverage effect. The tendency that people evaluate themselves more positively than they evaluate most other people is among the most well-documented effects in the social-psychological literature (Alicke and Govorun, 2005;Svenson, 1981;Zell et al, 2020). The better-than-average effect shares this characteristic with the optimism bias-the tendency to overestimate one's chances of good fortune and to underestimate one's risk for misfortune (Sharot et al, 2011;Weinstein, 1980).…”

Financial well-being, COVID-19, and the financial better-than-average-effect

“…This hints to a financial better-than-average effect. The tendency that people evaluate themselves more positively than they evaluate most other people is among the most well-documented effects in the social-psychological literature ( Alicke and Govorun, 2005 , Svenson, 1981 , Zell et al, 2020 ). The better-than-average effect shares this characteristic with the optimism bias—the tendency to overestimate one’s chances of good fortune and to underestimate one’s risk for misfortune ( Sharot et al, 2011 , Weinstein, 1980 ).…”

A multi-method exploratory study of health professional students’ experiences with compliance behaviours

“…Part of education on the Hidden Curriculum should emphasize the frequencies of experiences and that all students will experience compliance scenarios and with a high degree of likelihood they will be compliant. More specifically, students should be informed of base rates and that despite a belief that they will be in the minority that speaks up, it is statistically impossible [94]. There are also implications for educators and administrators, it is necessary to make those in advanced hierarchical positions aware of how their actions have behavioural and psychological impacts on students.…”