Tourism Myths and the Dunning Kruger Effect
Keywords
Competence; Dunning Kruger effect; Metacognition; Self-assessment; Tourism myths
Abstract
There are many erroneous but pervasive 'truths' about tourism. This study assesses individuals' capacity to question these myths alongside their self-perceptions of their critical thinking skills. The research used a survey with 1493 respondents from 22 universities across 16 countries/territories to test the Dunning Kruger effect, which suggests an inverse relationship between self-belief and competence. The data provides strong evidence of the Dunning Kruger effect insofar as those more likely to believe in tourism myths also had a greater tendency to overestimate their capabilities, and vice versa. We discuss the possible causes and the implications for tourism education, identifying potential interventions at different points along learners' developmental journeys to help ensure a more sustainable future for tourism scholarship and practice.
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Original Citation
Pratt, S., Pan, B., Agyeiwaah, E., Lei, S. S. I., Lugosi, P., Kirillova, K., Piirman, M., Lockwood Sutton, J., Jönsson, H. C., Haselwanter, S., Smith, R. P., Sinha, R., Berno, T., Mackenzie, M., Graci, S., Rao, Y. V., Veliverronena, L., Zekan, B., Suranga Silva, D. A. C., & Park, S. (2024). Tourism myths and the Dunning Kruger effect. Annals of Tourism Research, 104, N.PAG. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2023.103620.
Document Type
Paper
Language
English
Source Title
Annals of Tourism Research
Volume
104
Copyright Status
Unknown
College
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Location
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
STARS Citation
Pratt, Stephen; Pan, Bing; Agyeiwaah, Elizabeth; and Lei, Soey Sut Ieng, "Tourism Myths and the Dunning Kruger Effect" (2024). Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 1274.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/ucfscholar/1274
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.