Question 1

The concept of relative deprivation refers to the perception that

Accepted Answer

Relative deprivation refers to the perception that one is worse off than those with whom one compares oneself. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and resentment, even if one's objective circumstances are objectively good. For example, a person with a comfortable income may feel relatively deprived if they compare themselves to their peers who earn more.

Question 2

Of the following, differences among people's self-reported happiness levels are MOST strongly related to

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that genetics play a significant role in determining our baseline level of happiness, which can vary from person to person. Gender, age, and physical attractiveness have also been shown to have some influence on happiness levels, but not to the same extent as genetics.

Question 3

Juan and Berta were millionaires who lost half of their life savings due to a bad investment decision. Which of the following best explains why after three years Juan and Berta seem to have suffered no permanent loss of happiness?

Accepted Answer

The adaptation-level phenomenon refers to the tendency for people to quickly adapt to new circumstances and return to their previous level of happiness. In this case, Juan and Berta may have adapted to their new financial situation and adjusted their expectations accordingly, allowing them to maintain their level of happiness despite their financial loss.

Question 4

When Mrs. Van Dyke first acquired a new luxury car, she was ecstatic. After several months, however, she took the car for granted and it gave her little sense of emotional excitement. This change in her feelings can best be explained in terms of

Accepted Answer

The adaptation-level phenomenon refers to the tendency for individuals to adapt to a new situation and for the emotional response to diminish over time. This phenomenon can explain why Mrs. Van Dyke's excitement about her new car decreased over time.

Question 5

Researchers have found that certain factors are related to happiness. One of these is that happy people tend to

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that having strong social relationships, whether it be through a satisfying marriage or close friendships, is strongly correlated with happiness. Therefore, option C is the best choice. The other options, being well-educated or physically attractive, do have some correlation with happiness, but not as consistently and significantly as having strong social relationships. Having many children may bring joy to some individuals, but it is not a universal factor for happiness.

Question 6

When the mayor ordered a salary increase for the city's police officers, there was a sudden loss of morale among the city's firefighters. The firefighters' sudden dissatisfaction best illustrates

Accepted Answer

The firefighters' sudden dissatisfaction with their own salaries in comparison to the police officers' increased salaries illustrates relative deprivation, which refers to the feeling of dissatisfaction or resentment that arises when individuals compare themselves to others who they perceive to be better off, particularly in terms of deserved rewards or outcomes.

Question 7

You were happy with your grade of B on the psychology test until you learned that almost everyone else in the class received an A. This illustrates that happiness is influenced by

Accepted Answer

The situation described in the scenario is an example of relative deprivation, which refers to the feelings of unhappiness or dissatisfaction when someone feels that they are worse off in comparison to others in some way, such as their achievements or possessions. In this case, the individual was initially happy with their B grade until they learned that almost everyone else in the class received an A, which made them feel worse about their own performance.

Question 8

Research suggests that people experience the most happiness when they are

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that people experience the most happiness when they are absorbed in challenging activities. This is often referred to as being in a state of flow, where one is fully engaged and focused on a task. While eating and daydreaming may bring temporary pleasure or relaxation, they do not typically lead to sustained happiness. Being highly self-aware may be important for personal growth and development, but it does not necessarily lead to increased happiness.

Quiz 37: A: Experienced Emotion