Gunther read his horoscope in the morning newspaper: Don't turn down invitations today; your relationship with others could change. Your firmly held beliefs should be your guide. Your untapped potential will be fulfilled in unexpected ways. Remember, good things come to good people. "Yup," Gunther concluded, "that's me all right . . . good, firm, untapped." What tendency is Gunther falling prey to?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gunther is falling prey to the Barnum effect, which is the tendency to believe in general descriptions of personality or characteristics that could apply to anyone. The horoscope is vague and ambiguous, and Gunther is interpreting it to fit his own self-concept.

Gunther Read His Horoscope in the Morning Newspaper: Don't Turn