Forer Effect - Origin of Term - Barnum Effect

Barnum Effect

The Forer effect is more frequently referred to as "The Barnum Effect". This term was coined in 1956 by American psychologist Paul Meehl in his essay, "Wanted - A Good Cookbook". He relates the vague personality descriptions used in certain "pseudo-successful" psychological tests to those given by entertainer and businessman P.T. Barnum, who was a notorious hoaxer.

Read more about this topic:  Forer Effect, Origin of Term

Famous quotes containing the words barnum and/or effect:

    There’s a sucker born every minute.
    —Phineas Barnum (1810–1891)

    Even a purely moral act that has no hope of any immediate and visible political effect can gradually and indirectly, over time, gain in political significance.
    Václav Havel (b. 1936)