Chapter Two: Theories of Personality

Taking Psychology with You:
..How to Avoid the Barnum Effect

INTRODUCTION

Are you one of the 'There's a sucker born every minute"? Fortify yourself with three strategies to avoid the "Barnum Effect".

---

KEY CONCEPTS EXPLAINED

Take this "Anonymous Personality Test" and experience the Barum Effect yourself, or hit this arrow and go down for the discussion.

• Beware of all-purpose descriptions that could apply to anyone.
  
  
• Beware of you own selective perceptions.
  
  
• Resist flattery

LINKS About The Barnum Effect

• weblink: A biography of the real Phineas T. Barnum.
• weblink: This text's review of critical thinking.
• weblink: Posters for the circus - the early Barnum effect in advertising.
• weblink: A history of the circus.
• weblink: The Amazing Randi's homepage.

Next Topic - Looking Back. ...............................................Chapter Contents