We are sure that at least once in life we have all come across an extremely changeable person who usually adapts to the environment he is with. That is, it manifests receptivity to many magical, religious and pseudoscience aspects, which has to do with the psychology of the individual.
TheForer effectis just that, the need to be accepted by others and theconsiderable ability to apply to themselves adaptations to different descriptions, which people may have made on a validation parameter, so in search of being considered it transforms a bit into that being.
In the following article we will talk more about what the Forer effect is, what the experiment conducted by psychologist Bertram R Forer consisted of, its main characteristics and how it works.
What is Forer effect?
The Forer effect is defined as a tendency of theperson to give a note of accuracyor confirm the fidelity of the descriptions that are made to hispersonality, considering that they have been made to measure for him.
They are usually vague and general to be applied in broad spectrums, butthe individual usually feels identifiedand in matters of discrepancies, even adapts.
Forer effect experiment
In 1948, Bertram Forer(1) conducted an experiment with a personality test(2) on his students where the result ended up being the same for everyone, quite general and vague.
The experiment consisted of that after reading their “personality description”, Forer asked that they evaluate the experiment from 0 to 5 for its certainty, with 5 being “excellent”, 4 being “very good”, and so on.
Note: By then the average of the class was 4.26 and still today this kind of experiments are repeated, obtaining averages even of 4.2.
In this sense, Forer wanted to explain with his experiments why pseudosciences (beliefs or practices that are presented as true but have no real compatibility with scientific methods), have an effect on society.
Providing very accurate analysis of personalities, but it has been shown that they are subjective, so they are of little scientific value.
Characteristics of the Forer effect
The Forer effect is made up of certain factors to take into account that define and frame it. These characteristics will facilitate its understanding and will be described below.
It is a hypothesis of psychology
It is precisely a behavior or pattern, studied by various components of psychology, due to the effect it has on individuals and how they dismantle through it the functionality of the pseudosciences where these techniques are applied.
This is known as the personal validation effect.
Most of the studies, even those by Forer and Barry Beyerstein (3) explain that the effect of this type of influence arises from a need for validation, hope and a bit of vanity.
And, although we have to offer adaptation in proportion to the consistency that it has with ourselves, it is stimulating and often allows us to make sense of certain components of our existence.
Explain belief in pseudoscience
It happens that the Forer effect offers individuals a sense of reaffirmation and control over the unknown, therefore they give it value and weight.
And, although scientific studies discredit and demonstrate that these pseudosciences are not valid tools, individuals are often satisfied with the conviction of their accuracy.
Involves desires and expectations
In an article analyzing the Forer effect, the following is precisely stated: “People tend to accept statements about themselves in proportion to their desire for the statements to be true, rather than in proportion to the empirical accuracy of the statements. measured by some non-subjective pattern.” (4)
It is then, that desire and proportion of stimulation towards the affirmations that it is required to attract in his life, which allows the individual a wide range of tools to hold on to. It is simply subjectivity.
Involves self-acceptance of generalities
Pseudosciences always use extensive statements, open to endless possibilities and involving affirmations, which open without propitiating accuracy to extend into inconsistency and its potentialities.
Simply put, use better descriptions that can be applied and assimilated by anyone.
PT Barnum used to say: “A circus should always always have a little of everything, for everyone”(5) , in the same way that the Forer effect adapts to the personality expectations of individuals.
Provides a sense of control in the face of uncertainty
As we mentioned previously, people who apply the Forer effect often feel linked through reassurance and control to the unknown. In many cases, it happens that they try to make sense of what has been heard and give shape to what is inconsistent and intangible.
A clear example are strategies such as the different horoscopes that allow us to believe that we know what is going to happen and we believe in the willingness to prepare to face it.
Occurs in different cultures and geographic areas
Belonging to prominent geographical areas and cultures does not influence the possibility of not being involved in the Forer effect.
Note: Because those who apply that psychology to their advantage, use techniques that allow them to reach all kinds of people, studying everything from body language to the vague answers that are often tried to give their random and persistent questions.
Anyone can be vulnerable
The psychological technique that is used to involve people and feel that there really are ways to predict, goes hand in hand with the fear that we all tend to have in the face of uncertainty. That is precisely the potential probability that we will all see ourselves ever involved in it.
On the Neuroscience blog there is an article about the Forer Effect, where they explain how quite convincing and receptive techniques are used to apply their tools , which are difficult to debate or discuss. (6)
It can affect people’s lives
The influence that they can have on people’s decisions is quite dangerous, because they do not always really look after their well-being and it can become something negative.
Important: Boards are not usually strong or stable, so making important decisions based on this type of influence can be a risk that is best avoided.
How does the Forer effect work?
The way in which people use this psychological influence to intervene in the decisions, thoughts and lives of others, has a fairly simple methodology, which even knowing it will allow us to avoid being affected or involved in any of its inexhaustible applications.
custom description
The people who try to involve us in these systems tend to be quite confident when talking about themand what they say. They study all the elements that can be used to convince us and apply the personalization of messages to make us feel involved.
To highlight:They do not say “family is important”, but “family is important to you”. And with generalities and subjectivities of this type they invade and gain strength with affirmations, until the individual feels totally involved and identified.
Evaluator Authority
If the evaluator has a certain reputation that can be used, and those involved stipulate that everything he says or does really carries weight, they will definitely help themselves to attract more people and control the advantage they develop.
Even in religions there is this type of influence, where that range of opposition will allow them greater reach. Furthermore, a construction based on sufficiently ambiguous previous experiences and those of other people, so that they have a positive influence on the creation and development of this authority.
Focus on positive aspects
The key to success will always be in the effort of those involved, enumerating and attributing to themselves above all the positive attributes, so that it is a scaffolding on which they walk safely.
In an article of analysis, they state that: ” We will frequently give many liberal interpretations to vague or inconsistent statements about ourselves in order to make such statements make sense” , and it is precisely from there that they can usually use. (4)
Key takeaways
- The Forer effect can be said to be the need to be accepted by others. It is also defined as a person’s tendency to give a note of precision or confirm the fidelity of the descriptions made to her personality, considering that they have been tailor-made for her.
- It works to intervene in the decisions, thoughts and lives of others. One is that people tend to be quite confident in talking about themselves and in what they say. They apply the personalization of the messages to make us feel involved.
- Another way in which the Forer effect works is through the authority of the evaluator, in this case those involved stipulate that everything they say or do really has weight and they will help themselves to attract more people and control the advantage they develop. .
- In the latter case, all the positive aspects are attributed so that it is a scaffolding on which they walk safely.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.