Author Question: Give an example of the Barnum effect. What will be an ideal ... (Read 74 times)

littleanan

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 575
Give an example of the Barnum effect.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Becky reads her horoscope every day and strongly believes that her personality matches the description of being a Virgo.
 
  Since her birthday is in early September, she thinks the horoscopes are right on in describing her. You have just learned about horoscopes in your personality course. What do you tell her about how horoscopes are as a measure of personality?
  What will be an ideal response?



tsternbergh47

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 311
Answer to Question 1

Answer: The Barnum effect is the tendency for people to believe vague, positive statements about themselves. People who believe their horoscopes will come true might be influenced in this way.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Since horoscopes are based on our birthdays, they are generally reliable in the sense of determining who is a Virgo, or other sign. However, studies testing personality and zodiac signs do not show convergent validity.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

The word drug comes from the Dutch word droog (meaning "dry"). For centuries, most drugs came from dried plants, hence the name.

Did you know?

Barbituric acid, the base material of barbiturates, was first synthesized in 1863 by Adolph von Bayer. His company later went on to synthesize aspirin for the first time, and Bayer aspirin is still a popular brand today.

Did you know?

The average adult has about 21 square feet of skin.

Did you know?

Blastomycosis is often misdiagnosed, resulting in tragic outcomes. It is caused by a fungus living in moist soil, in wooded areas of the United States and Canada. If inhaled, the fungus can cause mild breathing problems that may worsen and cause serious illness and even death.

Did you know?

People about to have surgery must tell their health care providers about all supplements they take.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library