Question

https://www.woodfordschools.org/userfiles/426/my%20files/sha%20nti%20day%201%2017-18.pdf?id=8598

is the article

Question 1 (1 point)
How does the text describe most previous scientific research in the field of psychology?
Question 1 options:
a) It neglected to study the happiness of people with neurosis.
b) It prioritized determining why happy people are happy.
c) It focused on improving the lives of very depressed people.
d) It was centered on improving the moods of already happy people.

Question 2 (1 point)
Which detail from the text best supports Seligman’s ideas about happiness?
Question 2 options;
a) “‘Psychologists tend to be concerned with taking a negative 8 person, and helping him get to negative 2’” (Paragraph 8)
b) “‘While our quality of life has increased dramatically over that time, and we've become richer, we're in an epidemic of depression’” (Paragraph 10)
c) “‘Think of these people as hobbyists who become so immersed in their work that time ceases to exist’” (Paragraph 17)
d) “By frequently calling upon their strengths, people can build up natural buffers against misfortune and negative emotions” (Paragraph 4)

Question 3 (1 point)
Which quote from the text is the least relevant piece of evidence used to support Seligman’s ideas about how people become happy?
Question 3 options:
a) “Material goods — even simple ones like ice cream cones, and massages — are only stimuli, things that fleetingly give people a boost.” (Paragraph 12)
b) “To cultivate happiness, you must first identify which of the aforementioned happiness categories you fall into, then ascertain your individual strengths and virtues.” (Paragraph 21)
c) “A study of cloistered nuns found that those scoring high on happiness tests at age 20 lived the longest.” (Paragraph 20)
d) “Instead, he says we can boost our own happiness by capitalizing on the strengths and traits that we already have, including kindness, originality, humor, optimism, and generosity.” (Paragraph 3)

Question 4 (1 point)
Which of the following statements best summarizes Seligman’s ideas about happiness?
Question 4 options:
a) It’s easier to achieve happiness by breaking down what keeps you from being happy, such as stress or mental illness.
b) People who are able to appreciate the small joys of life tend to be happier overall.
c) Happiness can be achieved if you focus on and develop the characteristics that you value about yourself.
d) Seligman’s research has found that an increased quality of life has negatively impacted people’s level of happiness.

Answer 1

Most previous research in psychology focused on alleviating depression. Seligman's positive psychology emphasizes the development of individual strengths to achieve happiness, with the idea of 'flow' supporting his views. A comprehensive summary of Seligman's theory is that happiness stems from cultivating one's innate positive traits rather than material wealth or addressing negative states alone.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Seligman's Ideas About Happiness

The field of psychology, according to most historical research, focused predominantly on improving the lives of very depressed people rather than studying happiness or why happy people are happy. This approach often meant moving individuals from a more negative state to a less negative one, but not necessarily towards positive well-being or happiness. In contrast, positive psychology, put forward by Seligman, emphasizes enhancing individual strengths such as kindness, originality, humor, optimism, and generosity to cultivate happiness.

The concept of flow, which relates to being completely immersed in activities to the point where time seems to stop, is a detail that supports Seligman's ideas about happiness and fulfillment. On the other hand, a somewhat less relevant piece of evidence might be the information on how cloistered nuns' longevity correlates with happiness scores, as it does not directly illustrate the process of how people can increase their happiness, unlike other details provided.

Summarizing Seligman's perspective, happiness is attained not by focusing on obstacles to happiness such as stress or mental illness, but rather by recognizing and developing one's valued personal characteristics. Although quality of life and material wealth may influence happiness, they offer more temporal boosts rather than sustained well-being. By capitalizing on inherent strengths, individuals can create natural buffers against adversity and improve their overall happiness.

Answer 2

Question 1s answer is C)

Question 2s answer is A)

Question 3s answer is D)

Question 4s answer is B)