Glossary / Lexicon

Cognitive conceit refers to Elkind’s term for children in Piaget’s stage of concrete operations who put too much faith in their reasoning ability and cleverness.

Cognitive conceit is a term used in psychology to describe a type of thinking characterized by overconfidence in one's own abilities and knowledge. Individuals who exhibit cognitive conceit often believe that they know more than they actually do, and may be resistant to new information or perspectives that challenge their existing beliefs.

Examples of behaviors exhibited by individuals with cognitive conceit include:

1. Overestimating one's own intelligence or knowledge: Individuals with cognitive conceit may overestimate their own intelligence or knowledge, and may be dismissive of others who they perceive as less intelligent or knowledgeable.

2. Believing one's own opinions are superior to others': These individuals may believe that their own opinions are superior to others' and may be dismissive of alternative viewpoints or perspectives.

3. Dismissing feedback or criticism: Individuals with cognitive conceit may be resistant to feedback or criticism, as they may view it as a threat to their self-image or knowledge.

4. Refusing to consider alternative viewpoints: These individuals may be unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints or perspectives, as they may believe that their own knowledge and beliefs are sufficient.

5. Becoming defensive when challenged: Individuals with cognitive conceit may become defensive when their beliefs or knowledge are challenged, as they may perceive such challenges as a threat to their self-image or competence.

Similar constructs to cognitive conceit in psychology include:

1. Confirmation bias: Confirmation bias is a type of thinking characterized by a tendency to seek out information that confirms one's existing beliefs, while dismissing or ignoring information that contradicts those beliefs.

2. Dunning-Kruger effect: The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which individuals overestimate their own abilities or knowledge, while underestimating the abilities or knowledge of others.

3. Narcissism: Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by a sense of entitlement, self-centeredness, and a need for admiration and validation.

4. Dogmatism: Dogmatism is a type of thinking characterized by a rigid adherence to one's own beliefs or opinions, and a resistance to alternative perspectives or viewpoints.

In conclusion, cognitive conceit is a type of thinking characterized by overconfidence in one's own abilities and knowledge, and a resistance to alternative perspectives or feedback. Individuals who exhibit cognitive conceit may be dismissive of alternative viewpoints, defensive when challenged, and resistant to feedback or criticism. Understanding related constructs such as confirmation bias, the Dunning-Kruger effect, narcissism, and dogmatism can provide further insight into the nature and impact of cognitive conceit on individuals and their interactions with others. Developing self-awareness and openness to new information and perspectives can be critical in reducing the negative impact of cognitive conceit on personal and professional relationships.