The illusion of control

Trader's Glossary · Psychology

The illusion of control

Definition. The tendency to overestimate the influence of our own actions on outcomes that largely depend on chance.

How it works

Ellen Langer described the phenomenon (1975). Active involvement, familiarity with the situation and previous successes increase the sense of control, even when the outcome is random.

Example

After a series of good decisions a trader starts to believe they “feel the market” and downplays the role of chance in a short series of results.

What to watch out for

You control the process: preparation, sticking to the plan and risk management. The outcome of a single decision isn't fully under your control.

See also

Overconfidence, Outcome bias, Sample size.

More in Hetman Capital Club

You'll find the full explanation with graphics, examples and exercises in the 💪 Fitness and routine space, and its use in the live market in the 🔴 Live Room. Both are available to Club members (in Polish).

Educational content, not investment advice.

Full article in the Atlas of biases: what this bias looks like in trading, an example and the research.