X-Message-Number: 4607
Date: Tue, 4 Jul 1995 22:59:11 -0400
From: "Keith F. Lynch" <>
Subject: 70% are above average?

 (David Stodolsky) writes:
> The overestimate of abilities and strengths may relate to a slightly
> different phenomenon. Most people (70%) thinks they above the average
> (mean). This may relate to in-group out-group identity construction,
> where the in-group is always superior.

Superior at what?  People tend to practice the things they consider
important, and thus tend to become above average in them.  If they
are above average in what they think are the important things, then
they probably consider themselves above average in general.

The chess player looks at the athlete and thinks "all he can do is
chase a stupid ball around, what a waste -- I'm glad I'm better than
that".  The athlete looks at the chess player and thinks "all he does
is lift one ounce weights and move them a couple inches, what a waste
-- I'm glad I'm better than that".

Also, note that it's quite possible for 70% to be above average.  Most
people do have above average IQs.  Most adult Americans have weights
that are less than the average.  My income is below average but most
American's income is less than mine.

Keith Lynch, 
http://www.access.digex.net/~kfl/home.html

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