Week Four Discussion Posts Responses: Due 7/1/2024
INSTRUCTIONS: Respond to the four discussion posts
Crystal
a. After reading the article “A Longitudinal Experimental Study Comparing the Effectiveness of Happiness-Enhancing Strategies in Anglo Americans and Asian Americans,” did you think a longitudinal design was the appropriate method to use based on the research question? Why or why not?
The study by Boehm, Lyubomirsky, and Sheldon (2011) aimed to explore whether happiness-enhancing strategies, specifically optimistic thinking about the future and writing letters of gratitude, would yield equivalent gains in well-being for Anglo-American and predominantly foreign-born Asian Americans (Boehm et al., 2011, p. 1264). Given this research question, a longitudinal design was indeed appropriate. Here’s why:
1. Longitudinal Design: A longitudinal approach involves studying the same individuals over an extended period, allowing researchers to track changes (Caruana et al., 2015, p. E540). This study’s 6-week randomized controlled intervention provided insights into how happiness-enhancing practices affected well-being across cultures (Boehm et al., 2011, p. 1264).
2. Cultural Context: The study sought to compare the effectiveness of strategies across cultural backgrounds (Anglo Americans vs. Asian Americans) (Boehm et al., 2011, p. 1269). A longitudinal design allowed researchers to observe changes in well-being within each group and identify potential cultural differences.
3. Temporal Dynamics: Happiness-enhancing practices may have cumulative effects that unfold gradually. A longitudinal study captures these dynamics better than a cross-sectional design, which provides only a snapshot at a single point in time (Simkus, 2023).
4. Individual Variation: Longitudinal data allow researchers to examine individual trajectories, accounting for response variations. It helps identify patterns and individual differences in well-being changes.
In summary, the longitudinal design was suitable because it allowed for cultural comparisons, temporal tracking, and a nuanced understanding of how happiness-enhancing strategies impact well-being over time.
b. What data collection methods were used?
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions:
1. Optimism Condition: Participants were asked to express optimism about their future.
2. Gratitude Condition: Participants were instructed to convey gratitude.
3. Control Condition: Participants listed their past experiences.
Multilevel analyses were then used to assess changes in life satisfaction relative to the control group. The results highlighted cultural differences, with Anglo Americans showing more significant increases in life satisfaction compared to Asian Americans (Boehm et al., 2011, p. 1265).
c. How well were the APA ethical codes followed? Identify at least two APA codes that you thought were not addressed in the article and provide input on how they ought to have been addressed.
While the article provides valuable insights, there are a couple of APA ethical codes that could have been more explicitly addressed:
1. Informed Consent (APA Code 8.02): The article does not explicitly mention informed consent procedures. Researchers should have obtained informed consent from participants, explaining the study’s purpose, risks, and benefits. To address this, they could have detailed the consent process, including how participants were informed and their right to withdraw.
2. Debriefing (APA Code 8.08): The study lacks information on debriefing. After participation, participants should receive a debriefing that explains the study’s purpose, results, and any deception used. Researchers could have included a debriefing session to ensure transparency and address concerns.
In summary, emphasizing informed consent and providing a thorough debriefing would enhance the study’s ethical rigor.
d. What questions do you have about data collection and longitudinal research?
How is missing data in longitudinal studies handled?
References
Boehm, J. K., Lyubomirsky, S., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). A longitudinal experimental study comparing the effectiveness of happiness-enhancing strategies in AngloAmericans and Asian Americans.
Psychology Press,
25(7), 1263–1272.
Caruana, E. J., Roman, M., Hernández-Sánchez, J., & Solli, P. (2015). Longitudinal studies.
Journal of Thoracic Disease,
7(11), E537–E540.
Simkus, J. (2023, July 31).
Cross-sectional study: Definition, designs & examples. Simply Psychology.
Samantha
After reading the article “A Longitudinal Experimental Study Comparing the Effectiveness of Happiness-Enhancing Strategies in Anglo Americans and Asian Americans,” did you think a longitudinal design was the appropriate method to use based on the research question? Why or why not?
Longitudinal studies use observational tools to conduct research over a period of time, either by continuous observation or repeated (Caruana et al., 2015). The research follows the same group of participants over years or even decades, though it is possible for them to be shorter as well. Longitudinal research is able to establish cause and effect that is based on change over time (Caruana et al., 2015).
A longitudinal design does seem to be an appropriate method of conducting their research. Based on their research question I would be curious to know if there would be other methods that would be able to answer the question adequately. Due to researching “improving” happiness, a longitudinal design seems necessary to assess the effectiveness of the conditions applied. (Boehm et al., 2011).
What data collection methods were used?
Researchers split participants into three groups (Boehm et al., 2011). The control group was tasked with reflecting on past experiences. The second group practiced optimism by writing about their best possible futures. The third group wrote gratitude letters to family and friends. Each week of the study, participants spent roughly ten minutes writing an essay according to which group they were assigned to (Boehm et al., 2011). These were scored by judges on several variables having to do with optimism, discussion of self, discussion of others, etc. Additionally, prior to the intervention, participants took a Satisfaction With Life survey that they also completed at the end of the intervention and a third time six months later (Boehm et al. 2011).
How well were the APA ethical codes followed? Identify at least two APA codes that you thought were not addressed in the article and provide input on how they ought to have been addressed.
While the nature of this research appears to be low risk, the article does not address how they met the requirements of Code 8.02 of Informed Consent. The article mentions that the participants were informed that the study could benefit their mental and physical health but does not describe how Informed Consent was given or if the potential risks, objectives, and benefits were discussed (Boehm et al. 2011). The article also does not discuss the debriefing portion of the study, which is necessary as described in Code 8.08. After the study was completed, the researchers should have completed and reported on a debriefing session with the participants, discussing the full details of the study and providing contact information if the participants had any questions in the future. It is possible that the participants were debriefed but the article does not discuss it.
What questions do you have about data collection and longitudinal research?
How can you follow informed consent without giving too many details away and creating bias? How should the researchers have done it in this scenario?
References:
Boehm, J. K., Lyubomirsky, S., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). A longitudinal experimental study comparing the effectiveness of happiness-enhancing strategies in Anglo Americans and Asian Americans.
Cognition and Emotion,
25(7), 1263–1272.
Caruana, E. J., Roman, M., Hernández-Sánchez, J., & Solli, P. (2015). Longitudinal studies.
Journal of Thoracic Disease,
7(11), E537–E540.
Ashley
Jesus teaches us that although we suffer now, it is temporary, while the world makes us feel that we should avoid feelings of suffering at all costs and offer only temporary solutions. In contrast to what Jesus tells us, any solution other than God’s kingdom is only temporary. The kingdom is long-term. Many people today feel and are even taught that this life is all there is and to live life to the fullest. Jesus helps us to appreciate that there is more to come and to live a life pleasing to God to gain access to that life. The world promotes living a life pleasing to ourselves. We have a purpose in our struggles; according to Jesus, it makes us more ready to defeat Satan and his attacks. Many blame god for some of the harm done in this world, yet Jesus helps us to see that Satan is the reason for the heartache that exists and that he will eventually be done away with, relieving people of the mental, emotional, and physical devastation he has caused over time (NWT, 1 john 5:19).
The sermon on the mount is the best recipe for considering Jesus thinking over the world. The first one, “Happy are that conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them,” is the most important one. Prioritizing our spiritual needs is the first step in leading a more fulfilling life that pleases God. Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted. It helps us to see that we are close to God when we mourn (NWT, Matthew 5:3,4). God welcomes all who are mourning and loaded down to come to him, and he will refresh them (NWT, Matthew 11:28).
Resources
The Bible: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, (2013 revision) Matthew 5: 3,4
The Bible: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, (2013 revision) Matthew 11:28
The Bible: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, (2013 revision) 1 John 5:19
Travis
Jesus taught that true happiness and blessedness come from a spiritual perspective rather than materialistic or external factors. He emphasized characteristics such as humility, meekness, righteousness, and mercy as qualities that bring about blessedness. In contrast, the world often teaches that happiness comes from success, wealth, power, and other external achievements. However, if we look at Hollywood and the likes of Jeff Bezos, we know this is not true.
Christ taught that blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This concept goes against the world’s idea that wealth, status, and self-sufficiency are what bring true happiness. Jesus emphasized the importance of acknowledging our spiritual poverty and dependency on God, opening us up to receive the blessings of the kingdom.
Jesus taught that blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. This teaching challenges the world’s notion that happiness requires avoiding pain and seeking pleasure at all costs. Jesus acknowledges the reality of suffering and loss in life but promises comfort and solace to those who mourn. No one is safe from the woes of this life, but the difference for us Christians is that we know all things work for good for those that love the Lord. This blessing reminds us that there is healing and peace available even in the midst of sorrow.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, a series of declarations about blessings. The first two blessings “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” and “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” hold deep spiritual and ethical significance.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”: This blessing speaks to the humility and emptiness of spirit that allows individuals to acknowledge their need for God. Being ‘poor in spirit’ means recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy and dependence on God for everything. It is an invitation to surrender our pride and self-sufficiency, and to fully rely on God’s grace. The promise of the kingdom of heaven is given to those who approach God with a humble and contrite heart.
These first two blessings set the tone for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the values of humility, compassion, and dependence on God. They challenge us to rethink our understanding of blessings and encourage us to seek true spiritual riches and comfort in God rather than in the material world. To the worldly blessing generally mean money and success as previously stated, but in Christ, it can be just having peace of mind, in which money can’t buy that.
