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Forer effect

Psychological effect noted by psychologist Bertram R. Forer in 1948, under which any fairly large and diverse group of people may come to believe that a tenuously balanced personality reading (especially one which, for the purpose of the test, is copied and handed out for them to ponder individually) applies strongly to each of them as individuals. Later studies have shown that the effect tends to be strongest when the recipient is given to understand that the reading has supposedly been tailored to them as an individual, that the person making the propositions is an authority they feel they can trust, and/or that most or all of the personality traits listed are positive ones, in other words flattering. The Forer effect may be of import in understanding the popularity of such pseudosciences as fortune telling or astrology.
Personality reading used to illuminate the Forer effect (thanks to Wikipedia):

You have a need for other people to like and admire you, and yet you tend to be critical of yourself. While you have some personality weaknesses you are generally able to compensate for them. You have considerable unused capacity that you have not turned to your advantage. Disciplined and self-controlled on the outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure on the 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 also pride yourself as an independent thinker; and do not accept others' statements without satisfactory proof. But 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, and reserved. Some of your aspirations tend to be rather unrealistic.

Now ... how does this apply to YOU?
by Fearman March 11, 2008
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Wake Forest

A small town in Wake County, North Carolina.

There are three main schools:
1-Wake Forest Rolesville Cougars:
This is the oldest of the three schools. It has recently been remodeled due to overcrowding. The schooling has a high passing rate. The school is mostly known for it's football team. The abbreviation is WFR.

2-Wakefield Wolverines:
This is the second oldest school in the Wake Forest area and is the biggest. It is located in the small neighborhood of Wakefield. It is mostly known for it's students alcohol and drug abusing. It has one of the highest student drinking and driving rate. Their abbreviation is WHS.

3-Heritage Huskies:
The newest of the three rival area schools. It was recently finished in 2009. WFR students went to Heritage for a year so that they could finish construction on the "new" WFR campus. After that year, the students are back in WFR. It now is a school on its own with no association with any other school. It is not a well known school. Their abbreviation is HHS.

A Few Interesting Facts:

Incorporated on Feb. 20, 1909
Wake Forest University moved from Wake Forest in 1956
Population 27,217
Land area is 15.08 square miles

Local Restaurants:
Red Robin
Mellow Mushroom
Shorty's Hot dogs
Goodberry's
Golden Corral
Wake Forest Coffee Company
Smithfield BBQ
Texas Roadhouse
Applebee's
Blue Fin's Bistro
**Many More**

There is a lot more to be known about Wake Forest.
You should go to the official website of The Town of Wake Forest to learn all about it.
by Star Fox Elite February 18, 2011
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Related Words

Forever Alone

One who will indeed, be alone for eternity. Being single forever. One who in fact, does got this. Unlike Carlolz.
She didn't answer my phone call.
FOREVER ALONE.

I wonder if she likes me, Should I ask her out?
Forever not gonna have this.
by Trollololololololololol/ March 3, 2011
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forest

a ridiculous amount of pubic hair, noticed suddenly and publicly when revealed by such a hairy individual to the dismay of others. One might exclaim, describing the little people lost and roaming about this jungle, "LET ME OUTA HERE!!!"
"Ahhhh, let my OUTA HERE!!!!"
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Forensics

1. Debate
2. Any event which one may compete in at a debate tourniment.
Come join the forensics team; they get laid surprisingly often...
by kstar April 27, 2004
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Forenz

A guy with unusual ''cat moustaches'' and very heavy black eyebrows. He usually doesn't make any comments.
Hmmm... Forenz le chat Forenz... Quoi? Non RIEN!
by Lulzordz February 15, 2008
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forestay

A part of a sailboat used to secure the mast. Its thickness and positioning is perfect to practice giving hand jobs; a great hands on learning experience.
Late one night we caught Hunter teaching Elizabeth how to give a hand job with the forestay
by elizabeth February 1, 2004
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