What is the “Forer Effect” and why would you even care? We are all exposed to the Forer at some point in our life—some of us actually practice using it without even knowing it. The Forer Effect explains a lot about our society and predicts how people will likely react to a situation.
In 1948, renowned psychologist Bertram Forer gave his students a personality test. Afterwards, he promised them a unique personal analysis from the tests and then asked they rate the results from 1 to 5 (5 being the most accurate for describing their personality). The students did not know that every one of them received the exact same evaluation. Here is what they each received after the test:
“You have a great need for other people to like and admire you. You have a tendency to be critical of yourself. You have a great deal of unused capacity which you have not turned to your advantage. While you have some personality weaknesses, you are generally able to compensate for them. Disciplined and self-controlled outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure inside.
“At times you have serious doubts as to whether you have made the right decision or done the right thing. You prefer a certain amount of change and variety, and become dissatisfied when hemmed in by restrictions and limitations. You pride yourself as an independent thinker and do not accept others’ statements without satisfactory proof. You have found it unwise to be too frank in revealing yourself to others. At times you are extroverted, affable, and sociable, while at other times you are introverted, wary, reserved. Some of your aspirations tend to be pretty unrealistic. Security is one of your major goals in life.”