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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