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Positive Psychology

Character, Grit and Research Methods

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

Using Research to Inform Your Work and the World Around You

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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

Positive psychology: a gritty exploration

Learners say **Positive Psychology: Character, Grit and Research Methods** largely focuses on the research side with a particular concentration on grit from Angela Duckworth. While the reviews indicate the course is well-received, they note some challenges such as sections being dry or difficult and issues with the audio and visual qualities of some videos. Despite these setbacks, the majority of students have positive remarks, particularly for sections with Duckworth, Claire Robertson-Kraft, and interviews with practitioners. Students recommend the course to those interested in research methods in positive psychology.

The lecture of Professor Angela is great, now time to tune in to check out her book on grit. Thanks, and Regard Prashant

"The lecture of Professor Angela is great, now time to tune in to check out her book on grit."

This course is very well designed. It has been informative and is a valuable and essential component of the Foundations in Positive Psychology Specialisation.

"This course is very well designed."

"It has been informative and is a valuable and essential component of the Foundations in Positive Psychology Specialisation."

Excellent! Really enjoyed the planning and intent with which the professors taught and incorporated "guest speakers" along with lectures.

"Excellent! Really enjoyed the planning and intent with which the professors taught and incorporated "guest speakers" along with lectures."

This was a tough course to rate. On the one hand, I found the professors and guest speakers highly intelligent and proficient in their explanation of this fascinating material. For that alone, I would have rated the course a 5.

"This was a tough course to rate. On the one hand, I found the professors and guest speakers highly intelligent and proficient in their explanation of this fascinating material. For that alone, I would have rated the course a 5."

I was disappointed. In my opinion, the research aspects could have been allocated 25-33% of the course and the rest of the time could have been devoted to improving the grit of the participants (like it was in the other courses).

"I was disappointed. In my opinion, the research aspects could have been allocated 25-33% of the course and the rest of the time could have been devoted to improving the grit of the participants (like it was in the other courses)."

Her sessions were inaudible too - very low on volume and a lot of things spoken of that didn't have a context to refer to. As suggested by others, this should have been a combination of all her videos in a single week for a far better understanding.

"Her sessions were inaudible too - very low on volume and a lot of things spoken of that didn't have a context to refer to. As suggested by others, this should have been a combination of all her videos in a single week for a far better understanding."

Given the technical nature of the subject matter, I thought it deserved more and better explanation. I learned a lot but some of it I never understood. Given my review of the assignments of other students, I believe they were more confused than I was about many of the concepts.

"Given the technical nature of the subject matter, I thought it deserved more and better explanation. I learned a lot but some of it I never understood. Given my review of the assignments of other students, I believe they were more confused than I was about many of the concepts."

The other videos had the facilitator speaking so fast - as though she was reading the material out of her screen and everything was going on as a recording.

"The other videos had the facilitator speaking so fast - as though she was reading the material out of her screen and everything was going on as a recording."

Career center

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

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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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