Illusion of explanatory depth - Revision history

Vipul at 23:36, 3 December 2023

2023-12-03T23:36:16Z

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			{{learning failure}}

	== Definition ==		== Definition ==

Issa Rice at 17:59, 23 September 2021

2021-09-23T17:59:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:59, 23 September 2021
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	The [[Feynman technique]] is an advanced variant of recursive recall where the learner tries not just to articulate the topic but to also explain it in a way targeted at learners with a minimal level of prior knowledge. It relies on the idea of [[learning by teaching]].		The [[Feynman technique]] is an advanced variant of recursive recall where the learner tries not just to articulate the topic but to also explain it in a way targeted at learners with a minimal level of prior knowledge. It relies on the idea of [[learning by teaching]].

	== External links		== External links ==

	* [https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/the-illusion-of-explanatory-depth/ The illusion of explanatory depth on The Decision Lab]		* [https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/the-illusion-of-explanatory-depth/ The illusion of explanatory depth on The Decision Lab]

Vipul at 16:48, 23 September 2021

2021-09-23T16:48:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:48, 23 September 2021
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	The [[Feynman technique]] is an advanced variant of recursive recall where the learner tries not just to articulate the topic but to also explain it in a way targeted at learners with a minimal level of prior knowledge. It relies on the idea of [[learning by teaching]].		The [[Feynman technique]] is an advanced variant of recursive recall where the learner tries not just to articulate the topic but to also explain it in a way targeted at learners with a minimal level of prior knowledge. It relies on the idea of [[learning by teaching]].

			== External links

			* [https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/the-illusion-of-explanatory-depth/ The illusion of explanatory depth on The Decision Lab]

Vipul: Created page with "== Definition == The '''illusion of explanatory depth''' is a phenomenon where learners who have ''some'' understanding of a topic overestimate the ''depth'' of their und..."

2021-09-23T16:16:38Z

Created page with "== Definition == The '''illusion of explanatory depth''' is a phenomenon where learners who have ''some'' understanding of a topic overestimate the ''depth'' of their und..."

New page

== Definition ==

The '''illusion of explanatory depth''' is a phenomenon where [[learner]]s who have ''some'' understanding of a topic overestimate the ''depth'' of their understanding.

It is closely related to the [[illusion of transparency]] (experienced by explainers) and is one of two common ways that the [[double illusion of transparency]] occurs (the other being [[misconception]]s).

== Distinction with misconceptions ==

The illusion of explanatory depth can coexist with [[misconception]]s, that are specific wrong mental models that contradict the correct concepts. However, there is a distinction. Misconceptions are hard to self-correct, because they generate an alternate, seemingly-consistent, universe. Spending more time on self-reflection will usually ''not'' lead to a learner detecting and correcting a misconception.

In contrast, self-reflection is usually sufficient for a learner to detect poor explanatory depth, and decide to correct it.

== Ways to avoid the illusion of explanatory depth ==

=== Start with a presumption of learning failure ===

The [[presumption of learning failure]] is the idea that learning should by default be assumed to not have occurred, and any claim to the contrary bears the burden of proof.

=== Recursive recall and the Feynman technique ===

[[Recursive recall]] is a [[summary table of methods of recall|highly active form of recall]] where a learner tries to articulate the entire topic from the top down, starting with a high level, then digging deeper. Recursive recall helps learners confront the areas where their understanding is lacking in depth.

The [[Feynman technique]] is an advanced variant of recursive recall where the learner tries not just to articulate the topic but to also explain it in a way targeted at learners with a minimal level of prior knowledge. It relies on the idea of [[learning by teaching]].