Question

Which of the following statements is most likely to produce the Barnum effect? Disciplined and controlled outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure inside. Worrisome and insecure outside, you tend to be disciplined and controlled inside. You are always worrisome and insecure. You are never worrisome or insecure.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. Disciplined and controlled outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure inside.

Explanation:

In psychology, the Barnum or Forer effect occurs when a general and vague description that can be applied to a wide number of people is believed to be personal or tailored for one individual, which implies the individual personalizes a vague and general statement and applies this to his or her own situation. This is common in the case of horoscopes, personality test, and even fortune teller as these are based on a statement that could apply to multiple individuals but that the individual believes is only for him or her. Considering this, the statement that could produce the Barnum effect is " Disciplined and controlled outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure inside" because this is a general and vague statement that can be applied to multiple individuals and that would be considered as personalized to each of them and therefore cause the Barnum effect.