Egocentric Bias

An Egocentric Bias is a type of cognitive bias in which someone thinks about things from their own point of view too much which leads to a skewed pattern of thinking. This type of bias makes people think that their influence and importance are greater than they actually are. An example from research shows that people working in a group setting often believe they contributed more to the group project than they actually did.

People with this type of bias will think they are better than average on rates of intelligence, generosity, and skills. The majority of people will rate themselves as being a better than average driver. Not only are positive traits amplified but the perceived likelihood of negative things happening to them is less than it is for other people. A person with an egocentric bias will think they are less likely to die in a car crash or get cancer.