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Hello dear blog readers! The barnum effect is a phenomenon that manifests itself in the desire of an individual to gain knowledge about himself with the help of dubious general characteristics that fit most people. The simplest example is the belief in horoscopes and predictions. And today we will try to investigate why this happens.
History of occurrence
This phenomenon was named after the American private theater entrepreneur who had his own circus, Phineas Barnum. He believed that people crave entertainment and are willing to pay for their excitement. Why every visitor could find in his circus what he would like. Regardless of what it has and what representations are organized. Perhaps, thanks to this life-affirming opinion, he was popular among the population.
If you are interested in learning a little more about his personality, you can watch the film The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman. True, some facts are slightly distorted there, but you will get a general idea of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbwho he was. Phineas is also mentioned in the film Gangs of New York. This person has done a lot for the development of not only show business, but also politics and marketing. Friends with Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. In general, he deserves to be known about him.
Forer’s study
This phenomenon is also called the Forer effect, so do not be surprised if you come across such different names in the sources. So, in 1948, Bertram Forer decided to conduct a simple study aimed at studying how much a person can believe in vague and general statements about his character.
As a psychologist, he distributed questionnaires to his students with questions on the basis of which it would be possible to draw up their psychological portrait. Only instead of processed results, he provided one characteristic for all. Based on banal formulations from astrological forecasts and horoscopes.
After familiarizing the students with his results, he invited everyone to rate on a five-point scale how much they coincided with their real character. And do you know what the average was? It was 4,26 points. That is, almost everyone was satisfied with what they read. But there were no categorically disagreeing with what was written at all.
And this is not surprising, because it was about the fact that this student is confident in himself, but sometimes he experiences some embarrassment and confusion. He does not like monotony, and although he is quite sociable, there are times when he wants to be alone with himself. Talented, but not yet aware of all his abilities. Tell me, which of you would not fit this description?
In fact, a person has all the traits of character, they are simply expressed to varying degrees, some prevail, and some are blocked for some reason. Forer himself later wrote in an article that all vertebrates have two eyes. Accordingly, you can safely apply this wording to everyone.
Stanger’s study
Ross Stanger in the late 1950s decided to repeat the experiment. He collected 68 subjects, some of whom were related to testing and recruitment. That is, people had a general understanding of psychology and the procedure itself. And they themselves have done this more than once in their activities.
Ross, like Bertram, handed out questionnaires and, as a result, a text of 13 phrases that could well characterize each of us. A third of the subjects confirmed a perfect match with their personality, while the rest indicated an almost complete match, if you do not take into account the smallest details.
Thanks to Stanger, it became clear that people tend to trust statements that describe them in a positive way. Since not everyone is able to accept their shortcomings, imperfections, especially if someone from the outside points to them. Here are examples of statements that raised doubts among the subjects: “In the sexual sphere, you have little difficulties,” or “You are not always able to make rational decisions.”
Horoscopes
Similar experiments were carried out more than once. For example, one French psychologist advertised in the newspaper as a professional astrologer. Having received several hundred orders for the compilation of an individual horoscope, he simply sent back a letter with the same content. The text consisted of general expressions, in general, characterizing the personality from the positive side and promising a brighter future. And what do you think?
As a result, these two hundred people sent him thanks for his sensitivity and professionalism.
Snyder and Schenkel in 1975 asked students to draw up a personal horoscope based on how they described the objects given to them. The first group also had to indicate the month of their birth, the second — the month, year and even time. But the participants from the third group did not need to leave any data. As a result, it turned out that students from the second group were most satisfied with the received horoscope, less than those from the first, but in the third group they were completely dissatisfied. The level of trust is higher in situations where the person opens up more. Then he has no doubts, criticality and rationality are practically absent at such a moment.
Impact
Have you ever had some statements from the same astrological predictions come true? Or were they very close to your life situation? This happens due to the fact that a person focuses on specific information that “hooked” him. And he tries to act in accordance with it.
In psychology, there is such a thing as selective attention. This is when an individual unconsciously passes by himself a large amount of material coming from outside. And he reacts, “turns on” at the moments when he hears or sees something related to his current topic. This is discussed in more detail in the article about the secrets of the subconscious.
So, in order to prove the influence of the Barnum effect on personality, Richard Petty and Timothy Barnum conducted the corresponding experiment. Having organized similar manipulations with their predecessors, with tests and their results, psychologists made some adjustments.
They gave half of the subjects a description indicating a certain closedness of thinking. What does it mean, the ability to firmly defend one’s opinion and not change it under any circumstances. And the other half is completely opposite. Denoting that the guys are open-minded and can adapt, change their point of view depending on the situation.
All, of course, confirmed the quality and accuracy of the conclusions. But the experiment didn’t end there. Then they were asked to comment on the problems identified by the researchers. By providing two opposite positions. So, the “closed” guys took one side and defended it to the last. But the “open” ones, also trying to match the characteristics obtained, assumed that both positions have the right to be.
Who tends to fall into the trap of the Barnum effect
Confirm the truth of the conclusions of the test is usually people who seek to serve the experimenter. Since he is a significant, authoritative figure for them. Or so cautious and unsure of their own knowledge of themselves that they are afraid to make a mistake. Selfish persons thus increase their self-esteem. A positive characteristic is like a balm for the soul, which is why they agree to subscribe to every word without evaluating them and without questioning them.
Those who constantly turn to astrological forecasts are considered anxious. Real life does not suit them somewhat, which is why they are looking for outside support, even if it is some kind of wish or prediction. Responsibility then seems to be shifted to external circumstances. They have an excuse, for example, for inaction, because these are just shortcomings due to some kind of zodiac sign.
Example for self-control
I suggest you check the effectiveness of this effect. Below is a list of statements. You must choose whether each of them suits you personally, or is not true. Then count how many positive answers matched.
Assertions
- You are somewhat self-critical and need to be admired.
- You always have your own opinion on events, which does not prevent you from sometimes agreeing with your interlocutor in order to prevent conflict.
- You are not perfect, but you strive to control your shortcomings and compensate for them.
- You are quite careful in terms of frankness with unfamiliar people.
- At times you want bright events and adventures, and at times calmness.
- You have great potential, but you have not used it to the fullest yet.
- You know how to hold back feelings for your own good.
- There are times when you doubt the correctness of the decision made.
- It happens that you have desires that are quite difficult to realize.
- You are quite freedom-loving and feel uncomfortable in a rigid framework.
Completion
Develop an identity, then you will have knowledge of character, resources and limitations. Why there will be no need to seek confirmation of guesses about his personality in dubious sources. You are unique and only you know how. We are all similar in some way, but there are no absolutely identical people in the world. And what is your specialty, you know?
For identity, follow this link if you’re a man, or this one if you’re a woman. These articles provide guidance on how to discover and develop self-esteem. Take care of yourself and be happy!
Also, you can read about the Veblen consumer effect.
The material was prepared by a psychologist, Gestalt therapist, Zhuravina Alina