False Consensus Effect

By Brad Bell

The false consensus effect is one concept in psychology.   What is the false consensus effect?   Below is one definition of the false consensus effect:

False Consensus Effect Definition:

The false consensus effect occurs when one overestimates the commonness of one’s attitudes.

False Consensus Effect Examples:

There may be a number of good examples of the false consensus effect.  Below are two false consensus examples:

1.  After seeing a film a person believes that the film is excellent.  The person overestimates the percentage of people who thought that the film was excellent.

2.   A person believes that a cat is a better pet than a dog.  The person overestimates the percentage of people who agree with this view.