Myers & Diener (1995)

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What type of study was used?
Meta analysis of research reviews - some research was based on multiple studies that were also reviews/meta analysis'
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What was the question type used?
Pps were interviewed using closed questions to assess their subjective well-being (how satisfied are you with your life: very, not very, not at all). A mutli-scale questionnaire were asked relating to happiness (Oxford Happiness Questionnaire)
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What report type was used?
Pps were asked to report what they were doing at selected times of the day/week. Beepers were used to remind pps to send a message about what they were doing at that moment
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What did they want to find in regards to factors that contribute to happiness?
To understand happiness, we must understand what correlates to it. Some factors contribute to it whilst others are a consequence of being happy. But, it's hard to establish a cause & effect (do positive traits make people happy or develop when happy)
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Findings: Is happiness related to age?
A survey of 170,000 people in 16 different countries found NO differences; people of all ages were equally happy. The mean happiness score was 80% satisfaction with life.
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Findings: Is happiness related to gender?
A survey of 170,000 people showed 80% of males & females were fairly satisfied with life. But, research shows women are twice as vulnerable to depression than men.
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Findings: Is happiness related to race/culture?
African Americans report nearly twice as much happiness as European Americans. Also, in Portugal, 10% of people reported that they were happy compared with 40% of those in the Netherlands.
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Findings: Is happiness related to happy traits?
The key characteristics of happy people are: sense of personal control, high self-esteem, optimism, extroversion.
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Findings: Is happiness related to faith?
Happiness is associated with the strength of religion & the frequency of worship attendance. People with higher spiritual commitment were more likely to say 'very happy.' Attending a faith group is known to give people a sense of community & purpose
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Describe the main conclusions of Myers & Diener
A person's happiness is not predictable from their age, gender or wealth; it is not related to race/culture. Happy people possess certain traits, close relationships, enjoy work & religion. This means that psychologists can help enhance religion
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Name the 3 elements in the theory of elements
The importance of adaption, Cultural views & Values/Goals
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What did Myers & Diener conclude on the positive & negative effects?
Positive & negative effects fade overtime. A longitudinal study found that events that occur in the last 3 months influence SWB due to human ability to adapt to life circumstances. Some cultures view the world as compassionate whilst others see anger
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Evaluate the methodology: SELF REPORTS
Data collected on SWB is subjective. It is virtually impossible to confirm/challenge someone's happiness as pps may not always be truthful. Questionnaires may show social desirability bias.
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Evaluate the methodology: SAMPLE
Sample is biased as most of research is conducted in Western cultures in the USA. Although some cultures report higher levels of happiness, it could be that other cultures are equally happy but don't express it much.
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Evaluate the methodology: SELF REPORTS IN TERMS OF PSYCHODYNAMIC
Psychodynamic suggests people may think they are happy yet repress their true feelings of unhappiness. But this is unlikely as research shows that those who describe themselves as happy are satisfied with life & described as happy by family & friends
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Evaluate the findings & conclusions: CORRELATIONS
As many findings are correlational, its hard to assume what causes happiness. There may be intervening variables that explain the link between marriage & happiness (the result of 2 incomes means more money = happiness)
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Evaluate the findings & conclusions: ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH
Genetics can explain happiness. The 5-HTT gene links to happiness as it controls serotonin levels. A review comparing happiness in twins/family members, who had easier or difficult lives, showed 50% genetics, 10% circumstances & 40% self-control.
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Card 2

Front

What was the question type used?

Back

Pps were interviewed using closed questions to assess their subjective well-being (how satisfied are you with your life: very, not very, not at all). A mutli-scale questionnaire were asked relating to happiness (Oxford Happiness Questionnaire)

Card 3

Front

What report type was used?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What did they want to find in regards to factors that contribute to happiness?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Findings: Is happiness related to age?

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Comments

hidying

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You're a legend!! thank you so much :) 

copmachine

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thanks :)

n.criddle

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Saved my life :)

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