Archive for February 8th, 2013

Nums: 94% of profs rate themselves above average … but, don’t we all?

February 8, 2013

According to LiveScience.com …

Since psychological studies first began, people have given themselves top marks for most positive traits.

While most people do well at assessing others, they are wildly positive about their own abilities.

The phenomenon is known as illusory superiority.

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Illusory superiority is everywhere

  • In studies, most people overestimate their IQ. For instance, in a classic 1977 study, 94 percent of professors rated themselves above their peer group average.
  • In another study, 32 percent of the employees of a software company said they performed in the top 5%.
  • Drivers consistently rate themselves as better than average — even when a test of their hazard perception reveals them to be below par.

Ironically, the most incompetent are also the most likely to overestimate their skills, while the ace performers are more likely to underrate themselves.

Psychologists say the illusory superiority happens for several reasons:

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Posted in Academics - Research, Behavioral Economics, Education - Academics, Psychology | 1 Comment »

Cheers: Does downing a nightcap help you sleep?

February 8, 2013

According to MyHealthNewsDaily.com …

Despite urban legends to the contrary, drinking doesn’t lead to a better night’s sleep.

Having a few drinks may help you fall asleep, but that deep slumber continues for only part of the night.

After that point, getting shut-eye becomes more difficult … and there’s a serious downside.

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Researchers analyzed … more than 500 people who drank low, moderate or high amounts of alcohol before going to bed, and underwent testing while they snoozed in a sleep lab.

Here’s what they found ..

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Posted in Beer & Liquor, Beverages - Soft Drinks, Sleep - Sleep Disorders, Wine | Leave a Comment »