barnum effect ERA

In this E.R.A the barnum effect will be used to evaluate astrological descriptors of personality. The b effect relates to the positive and general statements people read about themselves, this is common when reading horoscopes (astrology) astrology is the belief or perception that there is a link/relationship between astro phenomena and events in thee human world. Astro has now been classified as a pseudo- science which is a collection of beliefs or theories that is mistakenly regarded as scientific. Astrological descriptors and the barnum effect can be linked as the statements have become too general. In this experiment deception will be used to test the gullibility of people.

Iv – p descriptors  + gen to – gen
Dv – overall ratings  v accurate to v. inaccurate
To test the b effect on p descriptors and astrology
It is predicted that people are more likely to agree with the + and gen descriptors rather than – and gen.

1 obtain verbal consent and explain withdrawl rights
Ask for star sign and use deption to find corresponding p descriptors
Explain rating descriptors
Read out descriptors and tally their results
Tally result in a graph
Explain true aim for this experiment
The results in this era can be explained using the barnum effect, as the + and gen descriptors have thw maj of th participants having a v accurate r whereas the – and gen descriptors having a v inaccur response this is because the patricipants want to believe what is best about themselves therefore explaining the barnum effect