Barnum effect: does it explain the Astrology belief ?
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Barnum was a marketing genius - or a frauder depending from the point of view. By 1835 he purchased an 80-year-old slave and displayed her as the 161-year-old former nurse of George Washington. He is also known for his claim that “There’s a sucker born every minute".
That's why the psychologist Paul Meehl coined the "Barnum Effect" to describe a psychological phenomenon in which people tend to accept as accurate a general statement about themselves, especially a flattering one. Even though the statement could describe just about anyone. Add a few numbers, letters or aspects to the statement, and it is accepted even more quickly, because then it appears to be in some way scientific.
This is one of the classical reason given to explain why some people believe in Astrology and read their horoscope everyday.
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Isaac Newton studied astrology, praising it. Many PhDs today in science accept astrology, but then many do not, the reason for those who deny it is because they never applied it to their life. In other words they are not scientific by nature, only by conferred degree. They love science, that by the decrees of colleges say they are an authority, that they may then play the Barnum effect upon those who go by authority, and not by practical experience. If you Apply astrology to your life, by directions, then they will be sure that it is true.
Except that astrology is fake and non-sensical:
F_Gallente 4 years ago
I could see your point and see it being believed to be the Barnum Affect, but I have to disagree simply because of the evidence that I've seen in my life as well as my clients lives when it comes to the affects of astrology on our lives.