Barnum effect
We think that vague and generic personality descriptions that can apply to a lot of people are very accurate and made specifically for them. This is how astrology, fortune telling and some personality tests work.
These type of statements are called Barnum Statements...
- You have a great need for other people to like and admire you.
- You have a tendency to be critical of yourself.
- You have a great deal of unused capacity which you have not turned to your advantage.
- ...
The effect is stronger if...
- You believe that the statements are made specifically for you
- You believe in the authority of the person making the statements.
- The statements are mainly positive
Related
Self-Serving bias can cancel Barnum Effect.