Evaluation

• Reliability 


  Weak as the data is subjective. We cannot confirm or deny reports of happiness and M and D may just choose research that matches their hypothesis
• external validity 


  strong. interviews with a variety of people, different ages, culture etc so can be generalised
• sampling

  Somewhat representative- comparing individualist and collectivist cultures but most is based in US so conforms to Western ideals.

  Research could be outdated
• Schinka et al. (2004) suggested that people with the long-long version of the 5-HTT gene report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction
• Schinka et al.'s findings

  Support Myers and Diener's claim about happiness being a stable trait
• Lyubomirsky (2013) suggested that happiness was made up of

  40% self-control, 10% life circumstance and 50% genetic influences
• Lyubomirsky's findings suggest that Myers and Diener's view is only a partial picture of happiness and that further research needs to be conducted
• Valid Consent (ethics)


  Original studies would have valid consent BUT people who are unhappy may not want to be asked about happiness as it could harm wellbeing. If findings are misinterpreted, consent becomes invalid
• People who are unhappy


  May not want to be asked about happiness and feel more depressed when asked about well-being
• use of flow in workplace

  • Could be used in industry to reduce absenteeism and workplace stress by ensuring that workplace tasks provide the 'mindful challenge, interesting activities and engaging work that are required for people to be happy
  • Where a happy people in the workplace are more effective and efficient
• 
  

  Therapies that aim to increase levels of happiness in those who are depressed might well be limited, as culture and faith are not something that can be altered to improve health and wellbeing
• Myer's conclusions are of limited benefit as the components of happiness cannot be 'prescribed on the NHS