Name for a condition where one with their limited knowledge thinks of a problem as bigger than it really is?

Question

I know about Dunning-Kruger... where to put it bluntly, one overestimates oneself.

I am looking for a definition/name, to further research and reference in discussions with my peers, for a bias, that defines the following behavior:

• The person A has knowledge X in a field Y.
• The person estimates a problem in the field Y as being of complexity Z.
• Though, another person - B, in the field Y, having knowledge greater than X, sees Z as a much lesser problem or not a problem at all.
  • Implying that it's not worth solving, or that solution to a greater problem automatically solves the lesser one.

Of course, given that person B estimation is unbiased, therefore objective.

For example, I'm a software engineer with fair amount of experience and I can freely speculate (make educated guesses) about problems/solutions in fields outside of my immediate proficiency.

If, given the knowledge I have, I would estimate a problem in this outside field as generally/objectively BIG where people actually inside the field would not.

How is the condition called? (Assuming it's already defined)

This somehow might be related to Confirmation bias, but I do not commit to action, I abstain from it, because I see it as much too complex for me to tackle.

Answer 1

I can't provide you with a direct term that you are looking for. However, I think the level of confidence comes close.

My reasoning is as follows: Experience/knowledge increases task proficiency (Kuhlthau, 1999). Proficiency affects the level of confidence. Confidence, in turn, affects the perceived task complexity (Chang, 2005).

<sub>References
- Kuhlthau, JASIST (1999); 50(5): 399-412
- Chang, Computers Human Behav (2005); 21(5): 713-28</sub>