attached
For assignment 2(a),
TOPIC : MEANING OF LIFE
conduct an APA data-base search and from the
list of the search results, determine and read the most authoritative secondary sources (books and/or review papers) to propel
yourself to the forefront of the knowledge base regarding this construct. Then determine and read the most informative,
authoritative, and important primary sources (journal papers) to further enrich your knowledge in this area of research. By then,
you should be familiar with the research methodology as well as the kind of designs and analyses used. Identify all the major
factors (also called dimensions or themes) associated with the construct. Most of the time the factor analytic results of some
studies identify these factors. You should read all the authoritative primary sources (i.e., journal papers) to identify all the major
factors associated with the construct you have chosen. Hand in the list of factors for the construct you have chosen. For each
factor, do the following: – (20%)
a) Put down the factor name as a heading.
b) Briefly describe and explain it (i.e., what is it and how does it relate to the construct?).
c) List and enumerate all the references that suggest it.
Example. Some factors/themes associated with happiness: –
1. The pleasure theme measures day to day sensory pleasure, and the meaning theme measures how an individual can use their
signature strength to feel connected to something larger than him or herself.
Reference: Peterson, C., Nansook, P., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2005). Orientations to happiness and life satisfaction: the full
life versus the empty life. Journal of Happiness Studies 6(1), 25-41.
2. The engagement theme measures the concept of flow and how much an individual becomes absorbed in activities.
Reference: Csikszentmihalyi, M., & LeFevre, J. (1989). Optimal experience in work and leisure. Journal of Personality and
Social Psychology 56(5), 815-822.
3. Extraversion. As extraverted individuals are more outgoing, several studies determined that more sociable individuals are
happier. An interpersonal component of happiness with kinship and friendship sub-themes was created. As this link with
happiness was also associated with extraversion, in terms of sociability.
Reference: Diener, E., & Seligman E. P. (2002). Very happy people. Psychological Science 13(1) 81-85.
4. And more …..
For assignment 2(b),
construct items for each factor (also called theme or dimension) that you have listed. One (and only one)
measurement scale (e.g., 5-point verbal frequency scale, or a 5-point Likert scale) can be used for the entire assignment and this
scale must accompany each item. Using only one scale for all the items renders the total score interpretable. Check for content
validity at the item level (Does this item measure the factor?) and at the scale level (Do I have enough number of items to
measure what the factor intends to measure?).
Example: A Measure of Happiness
Theme One: Positive Affect
1. I am an enthusiastic person. SD D N A SA
2. I am always upbeat. SD D N A SA
3. I consider myself a cheerful person. SD D N A SA
4. I feel confident in my abilities. SD D N A SA
Theme 2: Self-esteem
1. I am loveable. SD D N A SA
2. I am fun to be around. SD D N A SA
3. I have many good qualities. SD D N A SA
4. I have nice physical features. SD D N A SA
5. I do not like going out because of how I look. SD D N A SA
Theme 3: Optimism
1. I believe that life is good. SD D N A SA
2. I believe that my future will be full of positive things. SD D N A SA
3. When something bad happens in one area of my life, SD D N A SA
I do not let it affect the other areas.
4. When I set out on a task, I know I will succeed. SD D N A SA
Theme 4: ……
Theme 5: …… , and so on.
Note that all rules pertaining to scale construction must be observed. There will be a 5 points (out of 100) penalty for each scale
construction error made till you are bone-dry! (25%)
