Behavioral Science Dictionary

Barnum Effect

Also known as: Forer effect, Barnum–Forer effect, Personal validation fallacy

Social Influence

We accept vague, universal descriptions as uniquely accurate about ourselves.

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Related terms

• Accountability
• Actor–Observer Asymmetry
• Attitude–Behavior Gap
• Audience Effect
• Authority bias
• Bandwagon effect
• Behavioral Confirmation
• Ben Franklin effect
• Better-Than-Average Effect
• Blame
• Bystander effect
• Cheerleader Effect

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