PSY 365 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PSY 365 - Essay Example In research, it is expected that one has to drive at the correct approach or method, at the same time, with considerations to the advantages and disadvantages of the methods employed. Most studies rely on either qualitative, quantitative or combination of the two. Data drawn from the approaches can possibly be generated within empirical studies. Data-driven, observable and/or empirical research is proven to provide quantifiable proofs, measure variables or outcomes more objectively, allows statistical control of factors, can establish comparisons and/or relationships among other variables that are essential ingredients to improve practices, thus, come up with accurate decisions instead of mere hit and miss (US Department of Education, 2002) . On the other hand, the disadvantages may include, vulnerability to extraneous variables and inability to control it, high cost, time consuming, demands for tests and innovative instruments, vulnerability to biases of researchers and the complex mechanism in subject selection and data management procedures (Guttmacher Institute, 2006). In this article, authors focused on psychological interventions which increase individual happiness. The study simply determined if psychologists make use of evidence-based practice of positive psychology of treating patients with mental illness at the same time utilizing it into making others lastingly happier. Positive psychology looks into character traits, positive emotions and enabling institutions that further consider other virtues such as courage, wisdom, justice, temperance, humanity and transcendence. Using the internet, 577 participants were recruited in one month to answer the exercises set for the experimental and control set up. Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale to measure depression (CES-D) symptom, Steen Happiness Index (SHI) and Beck Depression Inventory for the state of depression, were the main instruments used. Authors