Have you ever felt like your horoscope was written just for you? Or a fortune’s cookie advice seemed incredibly relevant? You may be surprised, but it’s actually not such a coincidence after all.

This psychological phenomenon is known as the Barnum effect. It’s a cognitive bias that occurs when people believe that generic personality descriptions and statements apply specifically to them. It may explain how practices such as astrology, fortune telling and personality tests have become relatively accepted despite lacking any basis in fact.

Where does the name come from? An example? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 01/03/2022.

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