Postive Classic Research

Question 1

What is the methodology?

Answer 1

Literature review

Question 2

What are the procedures?

Answer 2

As this is a literature review there are no procedures
However, in order to formulate the review Myers and Diener have followed a literature review process
Looked at- self reports, observations, correlations

Question 3

Is happiness related to age, race, culture?

Answer 3

Inglehart (1990) there was no significant difference between age and happiness in a survey of 170,000 people across 16 different countries

Question 4

What are the traits of happy people?

Answer 4

High self esteem
Sense of personal control
Optimism
Extroversion

Question 5

What are the relationships of happy people?

Answer 5

Gallup (1984) those with high spiritual commitments were twice as likely to say they were very happy

Question 6

Does money buy happiness?

Answer 6

In one survey, 75% of Americans beginning college said that “being very well off financially” was a “very important” life goal, and was often ranked more important than “raising a family” and “helping others in difficulty”. Many adults also believe that increased income would make them happier.

Question 7

What is the conclusion of the research?

Answer 7

A viable theory of happiness must recognise the importance of adaptation.
Another component of theory of happiness is cultural worldview
A third important component is values and goals.
Knowing a persons age, race, sex and income does not inform us about how happy a person is.