| Abstract [eng] |
The aim of this study was to reveal the Barnum effect’s links to personality traits and confidence in personality testing in groups receiving different types of personality feedback. Two studies were carried out. In the first study, we assessed the perceived social desirability and generalness of the statements, presented in the “Your NEO Summary” sheet. This study determined the statements that were used in the second study as stimuli. A convenience sample of university students was chosen for the study (N=101, mean age was 20 years, SD=2.91). The NEO-FFI personality questionnaire and a questionnaire, constructed from the “Your NEO Summary” feedback statements were used in this study. In the second study the Barnum effect’s links to personality traits and confidence in personality testing in groups receiving different types of personality feedback were examined. A convenience sample of university students was chosen for the study (N=243, mean age was 19.54 years, SD=1.65). In this study the NEO PI-R personality questionnaire, a short form for assessing confidence in psychological testing and a modified “Your NEO Summary” sheet were used. There were no differences in perceived accuracy of real, general, or socially desirable personality feedback, only inverted personality feedback was perceived as less accurate than the other three types of feedback. It was found that the Barnum effect is linked to personality traits and these links differ between different groups that received different types of feedback. Confidence in psychological testing was not linked to the Barnum effect. However, the Barnum effect may improve confidence in psychological testing. |
