The Illusion of Explanatory Depth (IOED) is a cognitive bias that affects our perception of our own understanding of a topic or concept. It is the tendency to overestimate our comprehension of a subject matter, leading us to believe we know more than we actually do. This bias can be particularly dangerous when it comes to decision-making, as it can lead to incorrect assumptions and miscalculations. The IOED occurs when we have a surface-level understanding of a topic, but we fail to recognize the gaps in our knowledge. We may think we understand a concept because we have heard about it before or because we have a general idea of how it works, but we may not be able to explain it in detail or answer specific questions about it. This can be especially problematic when we are asked to make decisions based on our understanding of the topic. One of the key drivers of the IOED is our reliance on external sources of information. We often use heuristics or mental shortcuts to process information, which can lead us to believe we understand something when we really don't. For example, we may assume that because we have read a news article about a complex topic, we understand it fully, even though we may not have the background knowledge or expertise to fully comprehend it. To overcome the IOED, it is important to recognize that our understanding of a topic may be incomplete. We should be willing to ask questions and seek out additional information to fill in the gaps in our knowledge. It can also be helpful to break down complex topics into smaller, more manageable pieces, and to test our understanding by explaining the topic to someone else or answering specific questions about it.
cognitive bias, overestimation, decision-making, mental shortcuts, external sources
CITATION : "Michael Martinez. 'Illusion Of Explanatory Depth.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=354380 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
Illusion of explanatory depth is a cognitive bias that happens when we think we know more about something than we actually do. It means we think we understand something, even though our understanding is incomplete. For example, an 8 year old might think they understand the way an airplane works even though they don't know the complex mechanics behind it. This is because the 8 year old has heard the basics, like that airplanes have wings, and the 8 year old can imagine what it would look like, but the 8 year old doesn't know the details of how the wings work. This is an example of the illusion of explanatory depth.
Cognitive Bias, Fallacy, Explanation, Understanding, Knowledge.
The Illusion of Explanatory Depth (IOED) is a cognitive bias that leads individuals to overestimate their understanding of a concept or situation. It is the tendency to think one comprehends a topic or idea more than they actually do. IOED is closely related to the Dunning-Kruger effect, in which individuals underestimate their own incompetence. IOED is a logical fallacy that often results in incorrect assumptions and miscalculations. It can lead to incorrect decisions and actions, as individuals rely on their perceived knowledge of a situation or concept instead of additional research or critical analysis.
IOED, cognitive bias, Dunning-Kruger effect, logical fallacy, incorrect assumptions.
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