Why Good Questions Actually Make You Smarter
When you don’t understand a topic, asking questions about it can make you feel dumb. However, no matter how you feel , asking the right questions actually makes you seem smarter. This video analyzes the research supporting this very concept.
The video cites a recent study published in the journal Management Science in which researchers conducted several experiments that found that subjects found others more competent when they asked for project advice. By video:
Researchers think this is because people enjoy a good ego boost. When you ask someone for advice in a difficult situation, that person feels smart. If a person feels smart, they think highly of you. And if they think highly of you, you feel good and confident. This is a good circular ego-raising cycle.
There are caveats to this, which they talk about in the video. For example, you don’t want to ask for help on every little thing, because it will ultimately make you seem incompetent. Watch the full video for more details.
How to sound smart when you feel dumb »wiki useful New York Magazine (YouTube)