The Barnum effect is found when
A) statements that fits most of the case inflates validity.
B) ambiguous responses are subjectively evaluated.
C) participants who lack pathology are diagnosed as having pathology.
D) a scale is not standardized.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Barnum effect is the tendency for individuals to accept vague or general statements about their personality or behavior as accurate, even when the statements could apply to many different people. These statements are often used in personality assessments or horoscopes and are designed to fit most individuals to some extent. The effect occurs because individuals tend to believe that the statements describe them accurately, even when the statements are actually quite general and could apply to many others. Therefore, statements that fit most of the case inflates validity.

The Barnum Effect Is Found When