Saturday, March 18, 2023

Barnum effect in psychology

 


The Barnum effect is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when people believe that vague and general descriptions of their personality, character, or life experiences are uniquely tailored to them, even though they are actually applicable to a wide range of people. It is also known as the Forer effect, named after psychologist Bertram Forer who first demonstrated it in the 1940s.

One classic study by Forer (1949) demonstrated the Barnum effect by having his students complete a personality test, and then gave them a supposedly individualized description of their personality that was actually a mix of generic statements that could apply to almost anyone. The results showed that the students rated the description as highly accurate and applicable to their own personality, despite the fact that the description was not unique to them.

The Barnum effect has been demonstrated in a variety of contexts, including astrology, horoscopes, and psychic readings. It is thought to be related to cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, where people seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs or expectations.

Overall, the Barnum effect highlights the tendency for people to find meaning in vague and general statements, and the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when evaluating information about oneself.

References

Forer, B. R. (1949). The fallacy of personal validation: A classroom demonstration of gullibility. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 44(1), 118-123. doi: 10.1037/h0059240

Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175-220. doi: 10.1037/1089-2680.2.2.175



Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

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