Description
I have finished 75% of this paper but more instructions were given. please do what is needed to be added to the steps that i havent. I will give you access to my canvas so you can look at other materials.
Step 1/Background knowledge:
Go back through your notes on the “general knowledge” readings covered during the weeks 2, 3, and 4 modules. (prep)
As you review your annotated reference list, please select 2-3 readings that are most relevant to your chosen topic. (prep)
Within these readings, identify the particular points within each that are most relevant to your chosen topic. (prep)
Use your own words (with use of quotes from the authors of the readings, as appropriate) to articulate the relevant insights from the general knowledge readings you select. (PREP)
Label the first section of your paper Introduction (WRITE)
Write 1-3 paragraphs in which you introduce your readers to the sociology of happiness (using the insights you have articulated) from these general knowledge readings) as it pertains to your topic. (WRITE)
Use in-text citations (WRITE) and add end-of-paper references (WRITE) following the guidelines covered in modules 2, 3, and 4. Most of you received feedback in week 2 or 3 regarding your in-text citations and reference list. (ADD the 2-3 general knowledge sources you selected to the reference list at the end of your paper. I realize you are not AT the end of the paper, but this does not mean that you cannot begin building your end-of-paper reference list by adding the references as you use them in your writing).
Step 2: Drawing on the work you did (and the feedback you received) in modules 5, 6, and 7, state your sociological research question. Clearly define both your independent and dependent variables. (PREP)
As you conclude your 1-3 paragraphs of discussion of relevant general knowledge readings (step 1), smoothly transition to a final introductory paragraph in which you state your research question (including clearly defined independent and dependent variables) (WRITE)
Step 3: Write the literature review section of your paper. You should have already done this in question 8 of your module 7 quiz; please review feedback from this question.
LABEL this section of your paper as LITERATURE REVIEW (WRITE)
Here is some guidance, however, for what you may still need to do depending on how you responded to question 8 initially:
IF the readings you initially selected were centrally relevant to your research question, then you may be able to copy and paste your work from question 8 of your module 7 quiz. What I mean by “centrally relevant” is that the sources you identified examined the relationship between the same (or similar) independent variable and dependent variables as you have identified in your research question. (PREP — determine whether the sources you used in question 8 of your module 7 quiz were or were not centrally relevant to your topic).
IF you directly copied the abstract of the article, as I allowed you to do, you will need to use your own words and/or some paraphrasing or quotes from the original article you cited in this question. PREP — make sure that you know whether or not you directly copied the abstract or anything else in the author’s own words from the source.
IF the readings you initially selected were less centrally relevant to your research question, then you will need to find some sources that ARE more directly relevant. (PREP — determine if this applies to you.) If this is the case, I encourage you to use ChatGPT similarly to how we did in module 5 to find the most relevant work that may have already been done by other scholars on your topic. See further instructions in Step 3 under the “Preparing your final paper/project” module if you need to find more relevant sources.
WRITE your literature review section of your paper. This must include a minimum of three centrally relevant sources. And, in your writing, you should include only those points from these sources that are clearly relevant to your topic. Your literature review section should be between 2-3 paragraphs and should include properly formatted in-text citations. Add the 3-4 new sources you have included in your literature review section to the others that you have already placed at the end of the document. Your reference list should be in alphabetical order by author’s name. Conclude your literature review section with another mention of your research question, making it clear how your research question is connected to the literature you reviewed. (WRITE)
Step 4: In this “research methods” section, I want you to present what you consider to be your best 10 survey questions. You should have 3-7 questions that focus on your independent variable and 3-7 questions that focus on your dependent variable. In other words, you must have a total of 10 questions, at least three questions that focus on your independent variable, and at least three that focus on your dependent variable. ( PREP — decide what questions you will use).
WRITE — LABEL this next section of your paper “Research Methods.”
You will list your 10 questions but should also write a paragraph or two in which you explain how your 10 survey questions will be used to answer your research question. In other words, explain how you will use the survey questions to “operationalize” your independent and dependent variables.
BEGIN this section of the paper by mentioning your research question again and explaining how you will use the survey questions to “operationalize” your independent and dependent variables. (WRITE)
Include your list of 10 survey questions immediately following this but in a separated text box. You can label this text box containing your 10 survey questions as Figure 1 – Survey Questions). (WRITE)
You may insert your text box containing your 10 survey questions in the middle of the paragraphs in which you explain how you will use these questions to operationalize your independent and dependent variables. (WRITE)
Step 5 In this second part of your “research methods” section, I want you to present your best 10 interview questions (reflecting feedback you received on your “preparing an interview protocol” and/or “revision of interview protocol” assignments). (PREP – select your 10 interview questions).
WRITE: Continuing with the writing of your research methods section, explain that you have conducted interviews to supplement the data you would get from your survey. Explain what you expect to be able to learn from the interviews that goes beyond what you could learn from the surveys. Write a paragraph in which you explain how you will use the interview questions to address your research questions. (WRITE)
WRITE: Insert your 10 interview questions into a text box within this part of the paper. Label this text box Figure 2 – Interview Questions. Insert this text box in the middle of the text in which you write about how the interview questions will help you address your research question. You may also find it helpful to think about how your open-ended interview questions “operationalize” your independent and dependent variables in ways that go beyond what the closed-ended survey questions.
Step 6 Findings and analysis WRITE: Label the next section of your paper as Findings and Analysis.
Present the transcripts or summaries of your two interviews. Include each of your two transcripts or summaries in its own textbox, labeled Figure 3 Interview One and Figure 4 Interview Two. Make sure to include the answers your interviewees provided to the demographic questions you asked them at the beginning of the interview (WRITE)
Write a paragraph or two (or more, if necessary) in which you analyze your interview transcripts/summaries, focusing on what you learned from them that helps you to answer your research question. (WRITE. Your figure 3 and figure 4 textboxes can be inserted in your text anywhere in the middle of this writing about what you learned from the interviews.)
WRITE: Make sure that you conclude this section with a discussion of ways in which the responses of your two interviewees might not be generalizable to a larger population. Part of the reason is that there are only two, and social scientists do not make generalizations based on only two interviews. Another part of the reason may have to do with the demographic characteristics of your interviewees (and the fact that these won’t be the same as those of many other people).
Step 7 For further investigation
WRITE: Label this section “For Further Investigation”
Think about how the following demographic characteristics might affect the responses of survey participants.
1. Age
2. Occupation
3. Household income
4. Education level
5. Race/ethnicity
6. Religion
7. Marital/relationship status
8. Nationality
9. Gender
10. Geography (where they live)
(PREP)
Using your choice of at least two of these demographic characteristics, formulate two hypotheses about how these demographic characteristics might shape the responses of your survey participants. (PREP — choose 2 and formulate two hypotheses).
WRITE: In this concluding paragraph (labeled for further investigation), you should address each of the following:
1. Explain why you would need to interview and/or survey more people to be able to determine if your interview findings are generalizable beyond the two people you selected to interview.
2. If you believe that the responses of your two interviewees might be generalizable to a much broader population, say so and explain why you think so.
3. Identify two demographic characteristics that you would think might produce variation in the responses of your interviewees. For example, if you think that young adults might answer your questions differently than older adults, state this. Or, if you think that economically disadvantaged people might answer differently than middle or upper class people, then say this. Explain why you think these demographic characteristics might make a difference and what difference you would expect.
4. Formulate two concrete hypotheses about how your two selected demographic characteristics might affect your findings.
For example: Hypothesis 1: The negative effect of use of social media on the happiness of individuals depends on the age of the respondents. The happiness of adolescents and young adults is most affected by social media use; it makes little difference to people aged 50 and above.
Step 8: Proofread your entire document, making sure that you have understood and fully addressed each of the prescribed steps. (Prep) Add a reference list at the end of the document (if you have not already done so in completing steps 1 and 3) using appropriate APA format.) (Write)
Also need this assignment done. please conduct a makeup interview with these questions and fill out the the demographic questions as well
As part of your interview, please ask the following demographic questions:
1. Age
2. Occupation
3. Household income
4. Education level
5. Race/ethnicity
6. Religion
7. Marital/relationship status
8. Nationality
9. Gender
10. Geography (where they live)
You may collect this information either before or after your interview questions.
For this assignment, you need to provide a summary of each of the two interviews. Use your interview questions as your template, and fill in the summary of the responses under each of the questions.
You may post both of your interviews in a single document, or you may post two separate documents (if Canvas allows this).
1.How would you describe your general state of happiness in daily life?
2.Can you identify any specific life events that significantly impacted your happiness levels?
3.In what ways do you think your occupation influences your overall well-being and happiness?
4.How has your education level shaped your aspirations and expectations regarding happiness?
5.Can you share experiences where societal expectations affected your decisions related to happiness?
6.How do you perceive the role of personal relationships in contributing to your happiness?
7.To what extent do you feel financial stability is linked to your sense of happiness?
8.How has your cultural background influenced your understanding and pursuit of happiness?
9.Have you noticed any shifts in your priorities for happiness as you’ve aged?
10.Can you describe the impact of your geographic location on your overall life satisfaction?
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Sociology Final Paper
Liam Lisec
Professor Branaman
12/10/23
Sociology Final Paper
Step 1: Background Knowledge: Introduction to the Sociology of Happiness
The sociology of happiness has been intriguing since it encapsulates many life domains.
While exploring this concept, many concepts have emerged from several readings that broaden
our understanding and knowledge of society of happiness. For instance, the article by Diener,
Lucas, and Scollon (2006) comprehensively critiques the convectional hedonic treadmill theory
as a revision to the human adaptation theory. The researchers argue that human adaptation is a
crucial and inevitable part of human existence, and as humans evolve, they face vast
circumstances that shape their overall happiness (Higgins et al., 1997). The authors assert,
“Imagine a world in which the poorest diseased beggar with no family or friends is as happy as
the healthy billionaire with a surfeit of close and supportive relationships (Diener et al. 2009,
p.305).
Additionally, Dunn, Gilbert, and Wilson (2011) provide valuable insights into the
relationship between money and happiness. The authors postulate that people’s well-being is
influenced by how they spend money. Their research topic asserts that “If money doesn’t make
you happy, then you probably aren’t spending it right.” This exploration challenges our biased
understanding that one’s happiness is determined by how much money they have. It encourages
people to be mindful of their spending ability to enhance optimal living.
From the above readings, we can contend that the sociology of happiness is an intricate
topic that transcends beyond social dynamics. It is hard to deduce what really makes someone
happy. To broaden our understanding, research by Layard (2005) offers valuable insights into the
concept of happiness. His “What is Happiness ” research reveals that happiness occurs from
balancing needs and wants (Keyers 2003). He contends, “So by happiness, I mean feeling good,
enjoying life…By unhappiness, I mean feeling bad and wishing some things were different”
(Layard, 2005, p. 12). This assertion shows the need to re-evaluate the factors that promote
human happiness, which is integral to promoting our well-being.
Step 2: Sociological Research Question: Research Question
After reviewing the course modules, it is clear that the concept of happiness and the
pursuit of happiness are integral to our existence. The research question pertinent to the module
is as follows;
“In a contemporary society, how do demographic characteristics such as age, occupation, and
education level influence the perception and pursuit of happiness among individuals in
contemporary society?”
Independent Variable: Demographic characteristics (age, occupation, education level)
Dependent Variable: Perception and pursuit of happiness
Step 3: Literature Review
Much literature has been done to evaluate and synthesize relevant information regarding
the sociology of happiness and its effects. As we explore the intricacies of happiness in the
broader social context, we aim to understand the factors that promote happiness in an individual.
Research has shown that the concept of happiness differs from one individual to another, and
each community has its own perception of happiness. This means that what makes me happy
may differ from one community to the other. Furthermore, Diener et al. (2009) assert that
humans become fulfilled and happy when they adapt to the rapidly evolving ecosystem. The
authors argue that humans lead happy lives when they can maintain the balance between their
pressing needs and other pressing factors. Furthermore, Layard (2005) mentioned that we should
examine the socioeconomic factors when understanding the root causes of happiness. The
available literature helps us analyze how individual and societal factors interact to shape the
pursuit and perception of happiness among diverse populations.
Step 4: Survey Questions
1. How would you rate your overall happiness on a scale from 1 to 10?
2. To what extent do you feel your age influences your perception of happiness?
3. How does your occupation impact your daily happiness levels?
4. Rate the influence of your education level on your sense of fulfillment.
5. Do you believe societal expectations affect your happiness?
6. How satisfied are you with your financial situation?
7. In what ways does your cultural background contribute to your happiness?
8. How does your relationship status influence your well-being?
9. To what extent do you agree that personal freedom affects happiness?
10. How does your geographic location impact your overall life satisfaction?
Step 5: Interview Questions
1. How would you describe your general state of happiness in daily life?
2. Can you identify any specific life events that significantly impacted your happiness
levels?
3. In what ways do you think your occupation influences your overall well-being and
happiness?
4. How has your education level shaped your aspirations and expectations regarding
happiness?
5. Can you share experiences where societal expectations affected your decisions related to
happiness?
6. How do you perceive the role of personal relationships in contributing to your happiness?
7. To what extent do you feel financial stability is linked to your sense of happiness?
8. How has your cultural background influenced your understanding and pursuit of
happiness?
9. Have you noticed any shifts in your priorities for happiness as you’ve aged?
10. Can you describe the impact of your geographic location on your overall life satisfaction?
Step 6: Findings and Analysis: Interview Excerpts
After interviewing my subjects, it is evident that happiness is a complex thing that
transcends beyond human and social factors. The following excerpts reveal this phenomenon.
Interviewee 1: Interviewer: How would you rate your general happiness? Interviewee: I would
say around a 7. I am stressed at my job, but my family brings joy.
Interviewee 2: Interviewer: How does your education level impact your pursuit of happiness?
Interviewee: Well, having a degree shaped my life and created expectations. I sometimes wonder
if I’d be happier if I led a simpler life.
From these excerpts, we can tell that individuals feel fulfilled when their close relatives
are happy despite the adversities they face (Dunn et al., 2011). Furthermore, humans associate
happiness with their social status. However, we cannot entirely rely on the above findings since
they lack robustness and demand more data collection with dynamic subjects.
Step 7: Further Investigation: Hypotheses
1. People with high education levels will prioritize intellectual pursuits for happiness.
2. Age influences priorities for happiness, where younger individuals value personal growth
and older individuals value connecting socially.
References
Dunn, E. W., Gilbert, D. T., & Wilson, T. D. (2011). If money doesn’t make you happy, then you
probably aren’t spending it right. Journal of consumer psychology, 21(2), 115-125.
https://pdodds.w3.uvm.edu/files/papers/others/2011/dunn2011b.pdf
Higgins, E. T. (1997). Beyond pleasure and pain. American psychologist, 52(12), 1280.
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=3bfd6e0b097add4920
eb1413a050fb9f98d6a6d7
Keyes, C. L. (2003). Complete mental health: An agenda for the 21st century.
Layard, R. (2011). Happiness 2/e: Lessons From A New Science. Penguin UK.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/RichardLayard/publication/30529548_Happiness_Lessons_From_A_New_Science/links/570e41
3308aee3
Wilson, T. D., & Gilbert, D. T. (2005). Affective forecasting: Knowing what to want. Current
directions in psychological science, 14(3), 131-134.
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