Simple Psychology for daily life: The Barnum effect
The Barnum effect (or Barnum-Forer effect) is a phenomenon that presents in personality assessments, wherein generalised statements about the subject are made that are vague enough for the subject make compatible with their own beliefs. Due to the common tendency for people to find relevant meaning in vague statements, these generalisations can therefore apply to a great number of people.
The nature of the statements made influences how likely they are to be accepted by the subject; we’re statistically far more likely to accept a mixed assessment of ourselves than we are a damning one for example. This is because people generally see themselves as flawed, but not lacking for redeeming qualities.
Skepticism will counteract the Barnum effect where the subject seeks more conclusive evidence that the statement in fact relates to themselves specifically. For this reason an element of trust in the person making the assessment is usually required.
Places we may see the Barnum effect come into play include:
- Horoscopes
- Psychic readings
- Personality tests
- Séances
While services such as psychic readings or séances can serve positive purposes, such as bringing confidence or closure, it’s useful to understand the potential of people using the Barnum effect to play people for suckers.
Elements of the Barnum effect may also present in situations such as police interrogations. Interrogators build rapport, or mislead suspects into believing they know more than what they actually do about them by using generalised statements.
