An investigation into the Dunning–Kruger effect in sport coaching

Abstract

The Dunning–Kruger effect is a robust finding whereby individuals’ perceptions of their abilities differ significantly from objective assessments of ability. This effect has been found in a variety of tasks; however, there is a need for more research with respect to real-life competencies. The current study examined the Dunning–Kruger effect in coaches. Ninety-four high school volleyball coaches completed the teaching technique and strategy scales of the Coaching Efficacy Scale and an assessment of coaching ability. The results showed that, when split into quartiles based on ability, coaches in the lowest quartile had significantly higher efficacy than ability (t₍₂₄₎= 3.61, p < .001), whereas those in the highest quartile had significantly lower efficacy than ability (t₍₂₅₎= −4.78, p < .001). These results support the generalisability of the Dunning–Kruger effect. Implications with respect to the context of coaching are discussed.

Keywords:

• coaching
• efficacy
• Dunning–Kruger effect
• objective coaching ability

Notes

1 Assistant coaches were retained in the sample based on their extensive experience (mean = 9.2 seasons).