The happiness of pursuit

1. Identify three research method(s) used to accumulate the data which served as the basis for this article by Jeff Kluger “The happiness of pursuit.” Name one strength and weakness associated with each method.

The Happiness of Pursuit, traverse the idea that most citizen of US are genetically compelled to be buoyant and the unique way to be happy is only wealth.

Biology : This is the idea which is proven by the familiar perception that we are successor of optimistic immigrants seeking for a more desirable future in an unidentified world. The gene dubbed 5-HTTLPR and DRD4 , are responsible for risk avoidance,anxiety and supports emphasize this point.

The Search of Happiness : Through the authors reference to Dr Vadim Rotenberg, serotonin and dopamine,both feel neurotransmitters, are often released during the pursuit of a certain goal.

Money: “Money can make you happy” The author implements this quotation to succour emphasize this point and its legitimacy.The author uses reference to authority to help bolster its legitimacy.The author applies generalization to advance his claims.

2. Draw three conclusions that can be deduced from the info graphs, bar graphs or pie charts presented in this article by Jeff Kluger. Use the information to make a prediction (inference) about the future. Support your prediction with reasons and details.

The graphs and the charts in the article show that as years go by people are becoming less optimistic. However, most people seem to be happy at the stage of life they are in. Even more, most Americans seem to be happy when they have achieved a goal as opposed to when they are working towards a goal. Importantly, social media makes most Americans feel less good about their life. Additionally, there is a tendency of people making their profiles on social media look more successful and attractive than they are in real life. Finally, it is evident that social media is capable of changing one’s mood in a negative or a positive way.

3. In the study done by Lieberman and Morelli, what were the physiological and psychological processes involved in their study of empathy. Elaborate fully on the physiological and psychological processes by providing ample description and details.

In their study Lieberman and Morelli used FMRIS to help them study people reactions when looking at people’s sad image. The two researchers used pictures that involved sad images of people; they also used distraction by giving the volunteers’ an eight digit number to memorize (Kluger, 2013). Further, they used people who had uncultured brains processed. In their observation, they found out that people who were distracted by the eight digit number, their empathy reactions were reduced. On the other hand, volunteers’ with uncultured brain processed reacted to the images more deeply.

4. In the quote by Morelli, “Being distracted reduces our empathy for others and blunts responses in the brain,” what are three implications of this quote for civic engagement?

The implication of Morelli quotes on civil engagement is that for people to promote civil engagement there is the need to be focused. Having distractions may lead to the goals of civil engagement not been achieved and may be difficult in making a difference due to the reduced empathy. As a result, distractions create reduced empathy which may make people not realize the importance of civil management and helping out. Importantly, when addressing public concerns is important to have our brains focused on the agenda and reduce distractions that may make peoples empathy reduced. Even more, reducing distractions can help in the promotion of civil management and may lead to an increase of people’s happiness.

References

Kluger, J. (2013). The happiness of pursuit. Time Magazine.