Interpretations and uses of research on ‘Barnum’ personality statements

Abstract

The experimental design and main finding of research on Barnum statements are outlined. The fact that the statements are rated as accurate descriptions of themselves by most subjects is usually interpreted as demonstrating people's gullibility (where their own personality is concerned) and therefore as explaining the success of the less conventional methods of personality assessment. This interpretation is critically discussed and rejected, primarily because the subjects were asked an ambiguous question — one that did not distinguish between general and differential accuracy. Other ways of looking at the Barnum statements are also briefly considered, with reference to personality, self-concepts, and interviewer confidence in assessments.

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