Why Smarter People Appear Less Intelligent

Have you ever found yourself in a classroom or training session feeling like the only one struggling to grasp the true meaning behind an instructor's ambiguous statement? You're not alone. For years, I questioned why I appeared less knowledgeable in certain contexts despite excelling in test scores. The answer lies in the suppression of ambiguity, a phenomenon that affects our understanding and communication in various settings.

Picture yourself in a training class where the instructor delivers a statement with multiple possible interpretations. While others confidently nod and proceed, you raise your hand, seeking clarification. Unfortunately, the instructor fails to recognize the ambiguity and simply repeats the same information, leaving you still uncertain. Your attempts to explain the ambiguity go unnoticed, as the instructor and your peers don't see what you see.

Here's the underlying issue: In a class of, let's say, 16 individuals, each person may interpret the statement differently. Five interpret it one way, five another way, and another five a third way. You, on the other hand, perceive all three potential meanings. It's not that you struggle with the subject matter; you simply want to understand which meaning the instructor intends. However, your peers, unaware of the ambiguity, assume you're missing something broader and struggle to comprehend the material as a whole.

This realization dawned on me when I began working at a bank's call center in 1997. Months after the initial training, I discovered that the same suppression of ambiguity was occurring among my former classmates. Complex materials and ambiguous terms in banking, like the word "check," often led to diverse interpretations. When I later questioned my former peers about that material, I received different answers, confirming the varied understanding.

This phenomenon extends beyond the classroom. Have you ever contacted a call center and received contradictory answers from different representatives? The suppression of ambiguity is present in such situations, contributing to the inconsistency of responses.

In 2011, psychologist Daniel Kahneman shed light on this phenomenon in his book, "Thinking, Fast and Slow," coining it as "the suppression of ambiguity."

Understanding this cognitive difference is vital for fostering effective communication and empathy in our society. By acknowledging and embracing the diverse ways individuals interpret and perceive information, we can create an inclusive environment that values and respects cognitive diversity.

Let's strive for a world where ambiguity is addressed, diverse perspectives are valued, and clearer communication becomes the norm. Together, we can foster a greater understanding of cognitive differences and promote empathy in all aspects of life.

Next: How the suppression of ambiguity works

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