Why it’s good to admit when you’re wrong – and how to improve

‘Research shows that people with higher intellectual humility think more critically, and are less biased and less prone to dogmatism.’ Photograph: Albert Beck Wenzell

You may be familiar with the feeling. Someone factchecks you mid-conversation or discredits your dishwasher-loading technique. Heat rises to your face; you might feel defensive, embarrassed or angry. Do you insist you’re right or can you accept the correction?

Admitting to being wrong can be difficult and uncomfortable. But the ability to admit to incorrect ideas or beliefs – what psychologists call “intellectual humility” – is important. Research shows that people with higher intellectual humility think more critically, and are less biased and less prone to dogmatism.