Countersignaling

Countersignaling is the opposite behaviour of signaling, as it applies to the behavioural sciences like economics and psychology.

Signaling
Signaling, in economic terms, is putting money on the table just to prove that you can. In biology Peacocks expend energy on elaborate plumage, thus exposing themselves to risk of capture, to prove that they are good mates, this is known as handicap signaling.)

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.

External link

 * Rick Harbaugh has written more extensively about countersignaling.

CategoryEvolutionary psychology