How To Overcome The 'Curse Of Knowledge'

Can you remember what it's like to not know what you know? If not, you're not alone—it's the 'curse of knowledge' at work.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | September 02, 2024

Have you ever asked someone who's an expert in their field to explain something, and instead of clarifying things, they left you more confused than when you started? In cases like these, your confusion likely isn't a result of the other person not knowing what they're talking about—in fact, they probably know it too well. In reality, this is the result of a common cognitive bias known as the "Curse of Knowledge."

The Psychology Behind The 'Curse Of Knowledge'

The curse of knowledge, according to a 2017 study from Cognition, occurs when you become deeply familiar with a subject, and in turn, your brain starts to take certain information for granted. You've gone over the material so many times that it becomes second nature. The problem lies in the fact that this familiarity can make it hard to remember what it was like when you didn't know the information. In other words, we often lose sight of how much we've learned and how much background knowledge we've accumulated over time.

This is where the curse of knowledge truly kicks in. Experts might overestimate what others know or gloss over details that seem obvious to them but are crucial for someone just starting out. They might dive straight into complex explanations without realizing that their audience needs more context or a simpler breakdown to follow along. This is not to say that they're trying to be confusing—quite the opposite, actually. However, their brains are so hardwired to operate at an advanced level that they forget what it's like to be a beginner.

How The Curse Can Manifest

The curse of knowledge can show up in a variety of settings—and its effects are surprisingly widespread. Take education, for example. A math teacher who's been working with algebra for decades might find it challenging to explain the basics to a group of students who are encountering the subject for the first time. The teacher might skip over steps or use terms that leave students scratching their heads. Again, it's not that the teacher is bad at their job—they're just so far removed from the initial learning process that it's hard for them to recall what it's like to not know algebra.

This bias doesn't just pop up in classrooms. It's common in the workplace, too. For instance, picture a seasoned manager who's an expert in their field. When it's time to explain a new project to the team, the manager might use industry jargon or assume everyone already understands the technical details. As a result, the team might feel lost or overwhelmed—which could lead to misunderstandings and mistakes, despite the extent of the manager's expertise.

Even in everyday situations, the curse of knowledge can rear its head. Think about a time when you asked a friend who's really into a hobby—say, photography—to explain something to you. Maybe they started talking about aperture settings and ISO levels, and you were lost by the second sentence. Your friend certainly wasn't trying to confuse you; they were just speaking from their level of expertise—forgetting that not everyone shares the same knowledge.

The Consequences Of The Curse

According to a 2023 study from Memory and Cognition, our knowledge can easily contaminate our ideas about that of others', and vice versa. This can have real consequences, both for the expert and for the person trying to learn from them.

On a personal level, it's easy to feel discouraged or even frustrated when explanations go over your head. You might start to doubt your ability to understand the material, which can lead to disengagement. On the other hand, the expert might feel baffled by why their seemingly clear explanation isn't getting through. This disconnect can create barriers to learning and communication, and in some cases, even strain relationships.

In the workplace, the curse of knowledge can lead to poor communication within teams. When leaders or managers assume that everyone shares their level of understanding, pertinent details can easily get lost in translation. This can result in errors, delays and a general sense of frustration among team members. It can also create a divide between those who "get it" and those who seemingly don't—which too can lead to feelings of inadequacy or exclusion.

Even in casual conversations, the curse of knowledge can make simple interactions feel painstaking. You might find yourself nodding along to avoid looking clueless, even though you're not really following what the other person is saying. You might feel awkward or even a deep sense of disconnection to the other person—which can make it hard to contribute meaningfully in social situations.

How To Cure The Curse

The key in curing the curse of knowledge lies in empathy; this means taking a step back and putting yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn't share your level of expertise, according to research presented at the Annual Frontiers in Education Conference. This might mean revisiting your own learning process and thinking about what it was like when you were first starting out. What concepts did you struggle with? What explanations finally made things click for you?

You might also benefit from simplifying your language. This doesn't mean dumbing things down, but rather avoiding jargon and technical terms unless you're sure the other person understands them. Even if it feels like you're oversimplifying, it's better to start with the basics and build up from there. The key is to break information into small, more manageable chunks to make them, as the authors say, "sticky."

Feedback is also crucial when you're trying to explain something. Don't be afraid to check in with the other person to see if they're following along. A simple "Does that make sense?" or "Should I go over that again?" can make a big difference. This not only helps you gauge their understanding, but also gives them the opportunity to ask questions or clarify points that might be confusing.

The next time you're explaining something, take a moment to consider your audience. What might seem obvious to you could be brand new to them. And that's okay—taking the time to bridge that gap is what makes for clear, effective communication.

Do you have enough empathy to envision what it's like to not know what you know? Take this test, and receive science-backed answers: Cognitive Empathy Scale

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.