How to Study Happiness

Question 1

Name a couple of scientists that have pioneered studies into happiness.

Answer 1

Seligmann, Diner, Peterson, Kahnemann.

Question 2

Which four aspects does Kahnemann distinguish with regard to happiness?

Answer 2

1. Life Satisfaction / Wellbeing
2. Traits
3. Emotions
4. Sensations / sensory experience

Question 3

Which scales were developed by Ed Diener and what do they measure?

Answer 3

The Satisfaction with Life scale and The positive vs. negative emotions scale. Together they measure subjective wellbeing.

Question 4

Name some other measures for happiness.

Answer 4

Experience Sampling (Matt Killingsworth), sampling random moments; Expressive Behaviour, from video, audio or photos, coding the actions of facial muscles, posture, voice, other physiognomic indicators, etc. ; Neurobiological processes.