Abstract

BUNCHAFT, Guenia  and  KRUGER, Helmuth. Credulity and Barnum or Forer effect. Temas psicol. [online]. 2010, vol.18, n.2, pp. 469-479. ISSN 1413-389X.

The Barnum or Forer Effect is an object of theoretical study and empirical research in Psychology. It is a particular manifestation of credulity. It consists on the acceptance of fictitious descriptions of personality traits by people that accept them as exact and truthful. The Barnum Effect is related to the problem of distinguishing between science and pseudoscience as well as to the scientific process of validating personality evaluative instruments. Therefore, several authors have conducted researches, where the independent variables are vague, generic and ambiguous assertions such as those of horoscopes. It has been empirically verified that such descriptions, despite their lack of precision were accepted by most participants in such experiments. The results of these research initiatives rouse theoretical problems, such as those related to the distinction between science and pseudoscience as well as questions of practical nature, applicable in the experience of professionals dealing with health problems, more specifically psychiatrists and psychologists. The implementation of educational and psychosocial procedures aiming at credulity prevention and control is related to the development of critical thinking.

Keywords : Credulity; Barnum Effect; Personal validation.

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