Halo Effect occurs when we equate proficiency in one area with competence in another. Another name for the phenomena is Generalization Bias; extrapolating from limited evidence to broad conclusions about ability in other fields when, empirically, the correlation is weak. We humans often see relationships that aren’t there. Certain social markers such as prestige, education, or past wins become proxies for competence in other areas.

We make Illusory Correlations: “Good at X, probably good at many things.” when such Competence Spillover is rather rare. Reputation replaces reality and so-called superstars are often given less scrutiny than others, in effect getting free passes, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy, at least in perception if not in actual outcomes.

Solution? Hone your Critical Thinking Skills, practice polite skepticism, move to Missouri, the ‘Show Me’ state!

Closing Quotes:

“We mistake correlation for causation, and we mistake performance for competence.” – Philip Rosenzweig, ‘The Halo Effect’

“The halo effect increases the weight of first impressions, sometimes to the point that we are blind to information that contradicts them.” – Daniel Kahneman, ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.” – Richard Feynman, Nobel Prize for Physics, 1974 Caltech commencement address, Cargo Cult Science

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking Critical thinking is the process of analyzing available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to reach sound conclusions or informed choices. It involves recognizing underlying assumptions, providing justifications for ideas and actions, evaluating these justifications through comparisons with varying perspectives, and assessing their rationality and potential consequences.[1] The goal of critical thinking is to form a judgment through the application of rational, skeptical, and unbiased analyses and evaluations.[2] 

Note: Every effort has been made to properly source any 3rd person material. I am, however, a voracious reader. If anyone finds any unattributed material, pls let me know asap and I will be delighted to give credit where credit is due.
“All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is only to try to think them again.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1832