The better-than-average effect in comparative self-evaluation: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis
Ethan Zell1, Jason E Strickhouser2, Constantine Sedikides1
1Department of Psychology.
Psychological Bulletin
|December 3, 2019
Summary
The better-than-average-effect (BTAE) is a common cognitive bias where individuals see themselves as superior to peers. This meta-analysis confirms the BTAE
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Bias Research
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The better-than-average-effect (BTAE) describes the tendency for individuals to perceive their own traits and abilities as superior to those of their average peer.
- Understanding the BTAE is crucial for fields ranging from organizational psychology to clinical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review and the first quantitative synthesis of the existing literature on the better-than-average-effect.
- To define the BTAE, distinguish it from related phenomena, and explore its methodological, theoretical, and psychological underpinnings.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, synthesizing data from 124 published articles, 291 independent samples, and over 950,000 participants.
- Moderation analyses were employed to investigate factors influencing the magnitude of the BTAE.
Main Results:
- The BTAE was found to be a robust effect across studies (dz = 0.78), with minimal evidence of publication bias.
- The effect was larger for personality traits than abilities, positive than negative dimensions, and varied based on methodological factors and cultural samples (e.g., European Americans vs. East-Asians).
- The BTAE showed moderate correlations with self-esteem (r = .34) and life satisfaction (r = .33).
Conclusions:
- The better-than-average-effect is a well-established psychological phenomenon with significant implications for self-perception and well-being.
- Methodological choices and cultural contexts demonstrably moderate the BTAE, highlighting the need for nuanced research.
- Further research should address potential publication bias in specific areas of BTAE literature.
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