Countersignaling
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Countersignaling is the opposite behaviour of Signaling, as it applies to the behavioural sciences like Economics and Psychology.
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[edit] Signaling
Signaling, in economic terms, is putting money on the table just to prove that you can. Peacocks expend energy on elaborate plumage, thus exposing themselves to risk of capture, to prove that they are good mates. (In biology, this is known as handicap signaling.)
[edit] Need for signaling
Signaling combats the loss of credibility caused by cheap talk. For example when someone gives stock-picking advice, and they have a vested interest in making you believe stocks they hold are valuable, why would you believe what they say?
[edit] Countersignalling
Countersignaling, by contrast, is showing off by not showing off, or by playing humble. A mediocre student may exaggerate or brag on a college application, but the best of the best would not stoop so low.
[edit] External link
- Rick Harbaugh has written more extensively about countersignaling.
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