describe what the Barnum effect is and its implications to clinical and medical settings
describe what the Barnum effect is and its implications to clinical and medical settings
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The Barnum Effect, also known as the Forer Effect, is a psychological phenomenon in which people tend to accept vague and general personality descriptions as specifically applicable to themselves. This effect is named after P. T. Barnum, an American showman and businessman, who was famous for his elaborate hoaxes and deceptions.
In a classic demonstration of the Barnum Effect, participants are given a personality test and receive a generic, but seemingly personalized, evaluation of their results. Despite the fact that the evaluation is not actually based on their answers, many participants still perceive it as highly accurate and believe that it is a true reflection of their personality.
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