evaluation

• much of the research was correlational so its hard to establish cause and effect as there could be extraneous variables which lowers the internal validity
• the sample is culturally biased as the majority of the studies came from western countries which means there is an over-representation of individualist cultures therefore difficult to generalise to collectivist
• questions about subjective well being were more relevant to individualstic cultures
• high external reliability as the study involved a literature review of existing studies so its possible to repeat and check for consistent results
• large and cross cultural samples which gives their research good population validity as the findings can be generalised
• Schinka - gene 5-HTT controls serotonin in the brain and people who have a varient of this gene have increased levels and report higher life satisfaction which suggests there are biological factors
• Frank - using an increase in income to purchase ordinary goods eg. bus ticket can increase SWB which supports that money can increase happiness when it meets a persons basic needs
• literature reviews are ethical ways of conducting research as there is no manipulation of participants or psychological harm
• can be considered socially sensitive as it could create negative sterotypes of certain cultures and single people being less happy which could lead to discrimination
• findings could be used in the work place to increase flow this would benefit the individual as it contributes to their SWB and the economy
• with mental health disorders on the rise - this study offers useful insights in what can increase well being which then may act as a buffer against mental illness
• negative implications in the workplace as money is needed to meet basic needs which could be misused by employers to justify minimum wage