Science of Happiness exam 2026
Questions and Answers
PERMA - Correct answer-Definition: positive emotions, engagement,
relationships, meaning, achievement. These are the five building blocks to well-
being.
Theory behind it: Maximize each element to reach full happiness.
No single element defines well-being, but they all contribute.
Founder: Martin Seligman (also the founder of positive psychology)
Important Figures in Positive Psychology Movement - Correct answer-1. William
James: Started to raise awareness for mental health.
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,2. Martin Seligman: PERMA and positive psychology. After WWII, modern
American psychology became focused almost the negative—solely on curing
mental illness and disease. Seligman brought focus pack to positives
3. Abraham Maslow: developed humanistic psychology, was the president of the
american psychology association, and created maslow's hierarchy. Needs lower on
the hierarchy must be satisfied before moving up to the next set of needs.
4. Mihaly Csikszentmihaly: discovered flow
Positive emotions/ positive priming - Correct answer-Positive emotions: joy, love,
serenity, etc.
"Woes of Wall Street" = Success does not equate to happiness
Having more positive emotions can lead to improved memory, better at creative
problem solving, answer more questions, reduce stress.
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,Journal, breathe, etc. to get more happy emotions.
Positive Priming: Make someone laugh before tested, etc. Perfect performance,
temporary boost of happiness. Doctors that were primed were able to make
diagnosis faster and preschoolers could perform tasks faster.
Growth vs fixed mindsets - Correct answer-*DWECK*
Growth mindset: Drives motivation and achievement. Understanding the value of
effort to perform better. Intelligence is malleable, can be developed. You can
change what you know.
Fixed Mindset: Intelligence is static. You have a fixed amount you can learn and
thats it. seeks validation in a relationship, seek low challenge.
Willpower - Correct answer-Higher scores on self-regulation lead to: higher GPA,
more confidence/resilience/better relationships.
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, Definition: "The ability to align yourself with the brain system that is thinking
about long-term goals — that is thinking about big values rather than short-term
needs or desires." - Kelly McGonigal. Focusing on big values, instead of short term
desires.
Willpower is not an unlimited source, can be depleted. It is like a muscle. Gets
fatigued, stronger with more exercise. Drained by sleep and temptations.
Deliberate Practice - Correct answer-Deliberate practice is the most efficient way
to get good at something. It refers to a special type of practice that is purposeful
and systematic. While regular practice might include mindless repetitions,
deliberate practice requires focused attention and is conducted with the specific
goal of improving performance.
Maximizes potential. Your genes set the boundary as to what is possible.
Not fun and not flow. 10,000 hours. Immediate responses. Role of parents,
teachers, mentors.
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Questions and Answers
PERMA - Correct answer-Definition: positive emotions, engagement,
relationships, meaning, achievement. These are the five building blocks to well-
being.
Theory behind it: Maximize each element to reach full happiness.
No single element defines well-being, but they all contribute.
Founder: Martin Seligman (also the founder of positive psychology)
Important Figures in Positive Psychology Movement - Correct answer-1. William
James: Started to raise awareness for mental health.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,2. Martin Seligman: PERMA and positive psychology. After WWII, modern
American psychology became focused almost the negative—solely on curing
mental illness and disease. Seligman brought focus pack to positives
3. Abraham Maslow: developed humanistic psychology, was the president of the
american psychology association, and created maslow's hierarchy. Needs lower on
the hierarchy must be satisfied before moving up to the next set of needs.
4. Mihaly Csikszentmihaly: discovered flow
Positive emotions/ positive priming - Correct answer-Positive emotions: joy, love,
serenity, etc.
"Woes of Wall Street" = Success does not equate to happiness
Having more positive emotions can lead to improved memory, better at creative
problem solving, answer more questions, reduce stress.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,Journal, breathe, etc. to get more happy emotions.
Positive Priming: Make someone laugh before tested, etc. Perfect performance,
temporary boost of happiness. Doctors that were primed were able to make
diagnosis faster and preschoolers could perform tasks faster.
Growth vs fixed mindsets - Correct answer-*DWECK*
Growth mindset: Drives motivation and achievement. Understanding the value of
effort to perform better. Intelligence is malleable, can be developed. You can
change what you know.
Fixed Mindset: Intelligence is static. You have a fixed amount you can learn and
thats it. seeks validation in a relationship, seek low challenge.
Willpower - Correct answer-Higher scores on self-regulation lead to: higher GPA,
more confidence/resilience/better relationships.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, Definition: "The ability to align yourself with the brain system that is thinking
about long-term goals — that is thinking about big values rather than short-term
needs or desires." - Kelly McGonigal. Focusing on big values, instead of short term
desires.
Willpower is not an unlimited source, can be depleted. It is like a muscle. Gets
fatigued, stronger with more exercise. Drained by sleep and temptations.
Deliberate Practice - Correct answer-Deliberate practice is the most efficient way
to get good at something. It refers to a special type of practice that is purposeful
and systematic. While regular practice might include mindless repetitions,
deliberate practice requires focused attention and is conducted with the specific
goal of improving performance.
Maximizes potential. Your genes set the boundary as to what is possible.
Not fun and not flow. 10,000 hours. Immediate responses. Role of parents,
teachers, mentors.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
