Classic Research: Myers & Diener (AO1)

Question 1

Describe the METHODOLOGY of M+D

Answer 1

• Literature review (secondary data) of happiness (subjective wellbeing)
• Structured interviews using closed questions
• Questionnaire using closed scaled questions
• Observation using time sampling, beepers at a select time
• Correlations
• Meta-analyses (reviewed research)

Question 2

Describe the FINDINGS of M+D

Answer 2

• AGE: All ages equally happy.
  Mean score was 80% for life satisfaction (Inglehart)
• GENDER: Women have a ^ capacity for joy than men + 2x as likely for anxiety and depression
• ETHNICITY: Ethnicl group gives little clue to happiness
• CULTURE: Portugal 10% very happy, 40% Netherlands. Collectivist cultures have lower SWB than individualistic
• MONEY: National wealth and wellbeing is +0.67. USA income and happiness is +0.12
• TRAITS OF HAPPY PEOPLE: Happy people have high self esteem, sense of personal control optimism and extraversion

Question 3

Describe the CONCLUSIONS of M+D

Answer 3

• Importance of adaptation: effects of life events fade over time. Longitudinal research found that only events in theatre 3 months influence our SWB.
• Cultural worldview:Some cultures have different views on e.g mental health
• Values and goals: Having goals and making progress towards them is a predictor for SWB, along with money, social skills and intelligence.
• ## Age, sex, race and income (if they can afford basics) cannot determine happiness