The "Barnum Effect," in Which Vague Statements About One's Future

question 14

Multiple Choice

The "Barnum effect," in which vague statements about one's future or personality may be seen as accurate and valid, occurs because of the __________.

• A) self-fulfilling prophecies it creates
• B) representativeness heuristic
• C) base rate information it relies on
• D) principle of the "sucker effect"

---

Definitions:

Transference Behaviors

Psychological phenomena where unresolved feelings, desires, and expectations from past relationships are projected onto current relationships, often occurring within therapy.

Aversive Conditioning

A type of counterconditioning that associates an unpleasant state (such as nausea) with an unwanted behavior (such as drinking alcohol).

Psychological Disorders

Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, are patterns of behavioral or psychological symptoms that impact multiple areas of life and create distress for the person experiencing them.

Phobias

Powerful, unwarranted dread towards certain entities, endeavors, or circumstances prompting one to steer clear of them.