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Positive Psychology

Character, Grit and Research Methods

Claire Robertson-Kraft, Ph.D. and Angela Duckworth, Ph.D.

4.4

Based on 1,170 ratings

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Claire Robertson-Kraft, Ph.D. and Angela Duckworth, Ph.D.

Learners discover how apply to research methods to their study of Positive Psychology. In this course, we study with Dr. Angela Duckworth and Dr. Claire Robertson-Kraft. Through an exploration their work "True Grit" and interviews with researchers and practitioners, you develop a research hypothesis and learn how to understand the difference between internal and external validity. You also begin to understand and apply the strengths and weaknesses associated with different types of measurements and evaluation designs. You then interpret the results in an empirical study. Suggested prerequisites: Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science and Positive Psychology: Applications and Interventions.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Planning for Research

Collecting Data

Analyzing Data

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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Explores the research methods used in Positive Psychology, which is taught at the undergraduate and graduate level

Teaches research methods, which helps learners apply research to their work and the world around them

Taught by Dr. Angela Duckworth and Dr. Claire Robertson-Kraft, who are recognized for their work in Positive Psychology

Examines research methods in Positive Psychology, which is highly relevant to the field of Psychology

Develops research skills and knowledge, which are core skills for researchers and practitioners

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Reviews summary

Research methods for positive psychology

According to students, this course offers a valuable deep dive into the research methods underpinning positive psychology, with a particular focus on character and grit. Learners appreciate the opportunity to learn directly from experts like Dr. Angela Duckworth and Dr. Claire Robertson-Kraft. Many find the content on internal and external validity, measurement, and evaluation designs to be highly relevant and applicable. However, some reviews suggest that the material, especially research concepts, can be challenging, and the course is best approached after completing the suggested prerequisite courses in the specialization.

Deep dive into key positive psychology areas.

"Exploring the research behind grit was fascinating and provided a solid foundation for understanding the concept."

"The course structure around character, grit, and research was well-integrated."

"I appreciated the specific focus on these areas within positive psychology research."

Builds on prior specialization courses.

"Having taken the first two courses in the specialization was definitely beneficial for context."

"I would strongly recommend completing the suggested prerequisites before attempting this course."

"Without prior knowledge from the other courses, some concepts might feel less grounded."

Gain practical skills in evaluating studies.

"Understanding validity and different measurement types is incredibly useful for evaluating research claims."

"The course provided practical tools for analyzing studies, which I can use immediately."

"I feel much more confident in my ability to critically read and understand research papers after this course."

Learn research methods from leading experts.

"It was fantastic to learn directly from Dr. Duckworth and Dr. Robertson-Kraft; their expertise shines through."

"The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter."

"Learning from the researchers behind the 'Grit' work made the course feel very authentic and insightful."

Research concepts can be demanding.

"The research methods part was quite rigorous and challenging, requiring careful attention."

"Some of the statistical and design concepts were difficult to grasp initially."

"While valuable, the technical aspects of research design required significant effort to understand."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Positive Psychology: Character, Grit and Research Methods with these activities:

Review statistical concepts

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Ensures a strong foundation in statistical concepts, which are essential for understanding and applying research methods.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review basic statistical concepts such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
Practice applying statistical tests to data sets.
Utilize online resources or textbooks for additional practice.

Organize and review course materials

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Enhances understanding by strengthening connections between concepts and improving retention.

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Gather all course materials, including lectures, readings, and assignments.
Organize materials into a logical structure.
Review materials regularly to reinforce key concepts.

Follow tutorials on measurement design

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Enhances understanding of different measurement techniques and their appropriate applications.

Browse courses on Research Methods

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Identify online tutorials or resources on measurement design.
Select tutorials that cover the specific types of measurements relevant to the course.
Follow the tutorials and complete any exercises or assignments.

Five other activities

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Read "True Grit" by Angela Duckworth

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Provides a deeper understanding of the concept of grit and its applications in various settings.

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Purchase or borrow a copy of "True Grit".
Read the book at a pace that allows for reflection and note-taking.
Identify key concepts and examples of grit throughout the book.

Practice interpreting research results

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Strengthens skills in critically evaluating research findings and drawing meaningful conclusions.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Review the provided research studies.
Identify the research questions, methods, and results.
Analyze the data and draw conclusions.
Evaluate the validity and reliability of the findings.

Attend a research conference

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Facilitates connections with researchers in the field, exposing students to diverse perspectives and potential collaborations.

Browse courses on Networking

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Identify relevant research conferences.
Register and attend sessions on topics of interest.
Network with researchers and professionals in the field.

Create a research proposal infographic

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Encourages students to synthesize their understanding of research methods and effectively communicate scientific concepts.

Browse courses on Research Proposal

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Develop a research question and hypothesis.
Identify the appropriate measurement techniques and data analysis methods.
Design an infographic that visually represents the research proposal.

Participate in a research competition

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Challenges students to apply their skills and knowledge in a competitive setting, fostering critical thinking and innovation.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Identify research competitions that align with your interests.
Form a team or work independently to develop a research project.
Submit your project and present it to a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete Positive Psychology: Character, Grit and Research Methods will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers study the effectiveness of different teaching methods and educational programs. They may also develop new educational materials or curricula. This course may be useful for Educational Researchers because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help Educational Researchers to design and conduct effective research studies on educational topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologists work with law enforcement and the courts to provide expert testimony on psychological issues. They may also conduct psychological evaluations of defendants or victims, or provide therapy to crime victims. This course may be useful for Forensic Psychologists because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help Forensic Psychologists to conduct valid and reliable research on psychological issues related to crime.

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Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists work with businesses and organizations to improve employee productivity and satisfaction. They may also conduct research on workplace issues, such as employee motivation, job satisfaction, and leadership. This course may be useful for Industrial-Organizational Psychologists because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help Industrial-Organizational Psychologists to conduct valid and reliable research on workplace issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Market Researcher

Market Researchers study consumer behavior and trends in order to help businesses develop and market their products and services. They may also conduct surveys, focus groups, and other research methods to collect data on consumer preferences. This course may be useful for Market Researchers because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help Market Researchers to conduct valid and reliable research on consumer behavior and trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts study the effects of public policies and programs. They may also develop and evaluate new policies and programs. This course may be useful for Public Policy Analysts because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help Public Policy Analysts to conduct valid and reliable research on the effects of public policies and programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Research Analyst

Research Analysts conduct research on a variety of topics, including business, economics, and social issues. They may also collect and analyze data, and write reports on their findings. This course may be useful for Research Analysts because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help Research Analysts to conduct valid and reliable research on a variety of topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst

School Psychologist

School Psychologists work with students, teachers, and parents to provide mental health services in schools. They may also conduct research on school-related issues, such as student behavior and learning. This course may be useful for School Psychologists because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help School Psychologists to conduct valid and reliable research on school-related issues.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people to cope with a variety of challenges, such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. They may also provide counseling, case management, and other services. This course may be useful for Social Workers because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help Social Workers to evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions and to develop new and innovative programs.

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Survey Researcher

Survey Researchers design, conduct, and analyze surveys. They may also collect and analyze data from other sources, such as interviews and focus groups. This course may be useful for Survey Researchers because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge can help Survey Researchers to design and conduct valid and reliable surveys.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survey Researcher

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They may also develop new algorithms and models to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data analysis. This course **may** be useful for Data Scientists because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge could help Data Scientists to develop new and innovative ways to use data to solve problems and make decisions.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and causes of disease. They may also develop and evaluate public health programs to prevent and control disease. This course **may** be useful for Epidemiologists because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge could help Epidemiologists to design and conduct valid and reliable studies on the distribution and causes of disease.

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Health Psychologist

Health Psychologists study the psychological factors that affect health and illness. They may also develop and evaluate health interventions to promote health and prevent disease. This course **may** be useful for Health Psychologists because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge could help Health Psychologists to design and conduct valid and reliable studies on the psychological factors that affect health and illness.

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Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists study the relationship between the brain and behavior. They may also assess and treat people with brain injuries or other neurological disorders. This course **may** be useful for Neuropsychologists because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge could help Neuropsychologists to design and conduct valid and reliable studies on the relationship between the brain and behavior.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and make predictions. They may also develop and implement trading strategies. This course **may** be useful for Quantitative Analysts because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge could help Quantitative Analysts to develop and implement more effective trading strategies.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They may also develop and implement statistical models. This course **may** be useful for Statisticians because it provides an overview of research methods and how to apply them to the study of Positive Psychology. This knowledge could help Statisticians to develop and implement more effective statistical models.

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Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Positive Psychology: Character, Grit and Research Methods.

Grit

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Explores the concept of grit, which is defined as a combination of passion and perseverance. Duckworth argues that grit key ingredient for success in all areas of life. This book would be particularly relevant for students who are interested in developing their own grit.

Positive Psychology

Character, Grit and Research Methods

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Research methods for positive psychology

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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