the Barnum Effect

[happythoughts 0]

Barnum Effect

It's long, but interesting.

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The Barnum effect is named after P.T. Barnum, the showman who declared "there¹s a sucker born every minute." He found many ways to separate "suckers", as he called gullible people, from their money.

The Barnum effect in psychology refers to the gullibility of people when reading descriptions of themselves. By personality, we mean the ways in which people are different and unique. However, it is possible to give everyone the same description and people nevertheless rate the description as very very accurate.

They way I used to run this test was to give people some personality test on paper, then give everyone an envelope with a printout of their personality, have them rate the accuracy, and then reveal to everyone that they all got the same description. So, how can it be called accurate?

Here is an example of such a Barnum description:

* You have a great need for other people to like and admire you.
* You have a great deal of unused capacity, which you have not turned to your advantage.
* Disciplined and self-controlled outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure inside.
* You prefer a certain amount of change and variety and become dissatisfied when hemmed in by restrictions and limitations.
* You pride yourself as an independent thinker and do not accept others statements without satisfactory proof.
* You have a tendency to be critical of yourself.
* At times you have serious doubts as to whether you have made the right decision or done the right thing.
* At times you are extroverted, sociable, while at other times you are introverted, wary, reserved.
* While you have some personality weaknesses, you are generally able to compensate for them.

This is the technique used by psychics, astrologers, and radio psycholgists.

"Your astrological advice for today - kindness to your friends will be rewarded. Send me nekkie pics today."

[NWFlyer 2]

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This is the technique used by psychics, astrologers, and radio psycholgists.

And online pig-drawing web sites.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[sunshine 2]

Too long to keep my attention...can i get a summary? Ooh, something shiney.

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[happythoughts 0]

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This is the technique used by psychics, astrologers, and radio psycholgists.

And online pig-drawing web sites.

Drawn here ? Well, it was similar interests and such.


The most common ones are:
- You are a very loyal friend, but slow to trust because of your past.
- You are slow to anger, but a very forceful person once riled.

[happythoughts 0]

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Too long to keep my attention...can i get a summary? Ooh, something shiney.

We did it in college psychology class.

Write general crap on a piece of paper and hand the same paper to everyone in the class. Everyone thinks that it fits them perfectly.

You'd never fall for it because you are special.

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[sunshine 2]

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You'd never fall for it because you are special

You're so sweet. I think yer special too.

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[Squeak 17]

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Quote

Too long to keep my attention...can i get a summary? Ooh, something shiney.

We did it in college psychology class.

Write general crap on a piece of paper and hand the same paper to everyone in the class. Everyone thinks that it fits them perfectly.

You'd never fall for it because you are special.

The Amazing Randy did this about 15 years ago at a California Uni

You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky)
My Life ROCKS!
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