Re:Unskilled and Unaware of It (1999) [pdf]
by BeetleB on Thursday January 11, 2018 @03:36PM
(#16127590)
In general, I use it to explain why I tend to listen to those who express doubt more than those who express certainty.
It is useful in pointing out why I prefer medical professionals who express doubt vs those who are super confident.
Case in point: Physical therapists and massage therapists. The farther you go from what your hospital provides, the greater the certainty and confidence signaling. Same with a lot of alternative medical practices. It is effective in explaining why so many people flock to such professionals - because they always diagnose you and tell you what your problem is. And then the patients turn around and say "These doctors are incompetent, and their methodology is a sham. They could not tell me what my problem was, with all their years of training, whereas the <insert alternative professional> figured it out in just one sitting. And it all made sense, too!"
It is useful in pointing out why I prefer medical professionals who express doubt vs those who are super confident.
Case in point: Physical therapists and massage therapists. The farther you go from what your hospital provides, the greater the certainty and confidence signaling. Same with a lot of alternative medical practices. It is effective in explaining why so many people flock to such professionals - because they always diagnose you and tell you what your problem is. And then the patients turn around and say "These doctors are incompetent, and their methodology is a sham. They could not tell me what my problem was, with all their years of training, whereas the <insert alternative professional> figured it out in just one sitting. And it all made sense, too!"