Definition: The strong tendency to believe feedback from personality tests, even if they are bogus.
Insight: The Effect is often cited to explain why people believe is astrology, with very general descriptions.
Reference: Often called the Barnum Effect (after P.T. Barnum) because the personality descriptions that 'offer something from everyone' are taken seriously.
Example: Propaganda.
Example: The narrative of historical events.
Insight: When we question the narrative we become open to new possibilities and knowledge.
Principle: Challenge narratives.
Insight: People tend to believe what they are told by others about themselves.
Insight: Teachers or parents who are told or believe that a child is gifted, or difficult, will likely respond to them according to those beliefs.
Reference: Experiment with school teachers in California that were told specific students were talented, the students receieved high marks at the end of the school year, even though they were chosen at random.
