<P> The Barnum effect occurs when characterizations made about an interlocutor that the individual finds true, even though the statements are generalizations that could apply to anyone . These characterizations are used by practitioners to convince customers that they are endowed with a paranormal gift . The effect is found when assessment statements are vague and people are able to interpret their own meaning into the statements they receive, thus the statement becomes "personal" to them . Also, individuals are more likely to accept negative assessments of themselves if they perceive the person presenting the assessment as a high - status professional . </P> <P> The name "Barnum effect" was coined in 1956 by psychologist Paul Meehl in reference to the American circus entertainer P.T. Barnum, who is said to have stated that "we have something for everybody ." </P> <P> The Barnum effect is manifested in response to statements that are called "Barnum statements", meaning characterizations made about an interlocutor that the interlocutor finds valid even though the statements are generalizations that could apply to almost anyone . Such statements are used by fortune tellers, astrologers, and other practitioners of chicanery to convince customers that they, the practitioners, are in fact endowed with a paranormal gift . </P> <P> The Forer effect is a specific example of the so - called "acceptance phenomenon", which describes the general tendency of humans "to accept almost any bogus personality feedback". </P>

Who would be most likely to agree with the statement anything can be learned