Imagine making a mistake, getting mad at yourself and feeling incompetent because of that mistake. It is very natural to think that such a situation is not good, most of us think so; however social psychologyapparently disagrees with us.

Social psychology argues that the mistakes that make the person feel bad actually have the power to have the opposite effect, contrary to what is believed. Pratfall effect gives his name. What is the Pratfall effect that can turn one’s mistakes and sensitivities into an advantage? The answer to the question and more in our article!

What is the Pratfall Effect?

Pratfall Effect, social psychologist Elliot Aronson by means of 1966A theory developed in . According to this theory, society ”superior” perceived errors, clumsiness, vulnerabilities; Contrary to popular belief, it returns positively, not negatively, to the person. These people who are glorified by society; When he commits an error or similar action that cannot be expected from a superior, exalted person, he is purged of all his adjectives in the eyes of society. ‘humanize’ and therefore ”One of us” becomes more sympathetic, loved and attracted by his perception.

Aronson’s Pratfall Experiment

Elliot Aronson, who wanted to test his theory, 48 university studentsHe prepares an experiment consisting of: The participating students are divided into four groups. Audio recordings of the participants who participated in the quiz and questions answered are played back for each group. The key here is that each group listens to the audio recording of different participants! Knowledgeable for the first group, plain for the second group, knowledgeable but clumsy for the third group, and clumsy for the last group A participant’s audio recording is played. The questions of those who have knowledge of the participants 92%Of those who are ordinary, who cannot be considered knowledgeable, only 30%It seems he answered correctly.

In order for the experiment to test the Pratfall effect as well as possible, Aronson also provides additional information to the participants. Explaining how educated, successful and talented the knowledgeable competitors are, Aronson said; argues that ordinary competitors have the opposite characteristics. Finally, during the competition, the first and fourth participant ”Oops! I spilled coffee on my new dress!” He adds that he also uses phrases like, Aronson, in light of all these details, wants to learn about his impressions of the audio recordings he listened to from the bands. The conclusion of the experiment supports the Pratfall effect: Knowledgeable and clumsy while the contestant sympathized with the contestants by spilling coffee on him; it seems that interest and sympathy for the common competitor who made the same mistake has waned.

Pratfall effect in everyday life

Mainly celebrities and politicians It can be said that it is quite easy to observe the Pratfall effect through Being famous or playing an active role in politics is perceived as superior by society; The actions of people seen as such and contrary to their superiority make them more likable and attractive with the Pratfall effect.

One of the names that can be a good example of the Pratfall effect is the deceased. Mehmet Ali Birand† We think that there is no one who does not remember the blunders of Birand, who is famous and successful and has earned the respect of society, while presenting the most important news. When you think about these blunders or see and look at them somewhere, do you criticize them harshly or laugh at them? It is clear that the majority of society laughs at these blunders. So much so that we can’t imagine Birand without his gaffes, we see these gaffes as a fun part of him and we always mention him when we commemorate him. This is what we might call the Pratfall effect: a big name we’re used to seeing on television can also stumble, and that name can make a blunder. It doesn’t make us criticize it or find it less likable, but rather more fun and likable.

When you think of the Pratfall effect, which name comes to mind first and why? We look forward to your reply in the comments.