• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • My Store
  • Glossary
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me

Statistics By Jim

Making statistics intuitive

  • Graphs
  • Basics
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Regression
  • ANOVA
  • Probability
  • Time Series
  • Fun
  • Calculators

Optimism Bias

By Jim Frost

« Back to Glossary Index

Optimism bias is the tendency for people to believe they are less likely to experience negative events and more likely to experience positive ones. This cognitive bias can lead individuals to underestimate risks and overestimate their chances of success.

For example, many drivers believe they are less likely than others to get into an accident, even though statistically they face the same risks as everyone else on the road.

Related

Related Articles:
  • Cognitive Bias: Definition & Examples
« Back to Glossary Index

Primary Sidebar

Meet Jim

I’ll help you intuitively understand statistics by focusing on concepts and using plain English so you can concentrate on understanding your results.

Read More...

Buy My Introduction to Statistics Book!

Cover of my Introduction to Statistics: An Intuitive Guide ebook.

Buy My Hypothesis Testing Book!

Cover image of my Hypothesis Testing: An Intuitive Guide ebook.

Buy My Regression Book!

Cover for my ebook, Regression Analysis: An Intuitive Guide for Using and Interpreting Linear Models.

Subscribe by Email

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email.

    I won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Buy My Thinking Analytically Book!

    Cover for my book, Thinking Analytically: An Guide for Making Data-Driven Decisions.

    Top Posts

    • F-table
    • Cronbach’s Alpha: Definition, Calculations & Example
    • Z-table
    • How To Interpret R-squared in Regression Analysis
    • How to Interpret P-values and Coefficients in Regression Analysis
    • Interpreting Correlation Coefficients
    • Box Plot Explained with Examples
    • Multicollinearity in Regression Analysis: Problems, Detection, and Solutions
    • T-Distribution Table of Critical Values
    • Cohens D: Definition, Using & Examples

    Recent Posts

    • Data Collection Methods: Step-By-Step Guide with Examples
    • ANOVA Calculator
    • Positive Predictive Value: Meaning, Formula, and Interpretation
    • Median Absolute Deviation Calculator
    • Median Absolute Deviation: Definition, Finding & Formula
    • Outlier Calculator

    Recent Comments

    • Skata na fas on Comparing Regression Lines with Hypothesis Tests
    • Jim Frost on Comparing Regression Lines with Hypothesis Tests
    • Skata na fas on Comparing Regression Lines with Hypothesis Tests
    • Skata na fas on Comparing Regression Lines with Hypothesis Tests
    • Jim Frost on Pareto Chart: Making, Reading & Examples

    Copyright © 2026 · Jim Frost · Privacy Policy