Understanding the Forer/Barnum Effect

What was the main finding of the Forer experiment?

• Participants believed the identical sketches were personalized.

• Participants were able to identify the sketches as fake.

• Participants found the personality sketches inaccurate.

• Participants were indifferent to the sketches.

What psychological concept involves accepting internal experiences as validation?

• External validation

• Self-validation

• Cognitive dissonance

• Social conformity

How do Barnum statements typically appear?

• Vague and general

• Contradictory

• Complex and detailed

• Highly specific

What industry heavily relies on Barnum statements for profit?

• Real estate

• Automobile sales

• Technology

• Psychic services

What was Elizabeth Holmes accused of in relation to Theranos?

• Revolutionizing the medical industry

• Creating a successful blood test

• Defrauding investors with false claims

• Developing a new type of medicine

What is a common technique used by con artists to gain trust?

• Avoiding eye contact

• Displaying confidence

• Offering free services

• Using complex jargon

How did Thomas Muscatello deceive the public?

• By claiming to be a financial expert

• By pretending to be a British royal expert

• By inventing a new technology

• By impersonating a famous actor

What is a key feature of Barnum statements?

• They are universally applicable.

• They are specific to individuals.

• They are highly detailed.

• They are difficult to understand.

What did the study involving company leaders reveal?

• Leaders anthropomorphized their companies.

• Companies showed no bias.

• Leaders rejected the personality sketches.

• Companies are immune to the Barnum effect.

What is a common outcome when people encounter Barnum statements?

• They feel confused.

• They feel validated.

• They feel skeptical.

• They feel indifferent.