Today has been the second day of the MAPP´s so-called immersion week. Angela Duckworth is teaching research methods and statistics, which frankly speaking will never be my favorite subject – but that´s o.k. To learn more about the methodology of psychological research and to get an idea of how research papers are crafted, we skimmed through some articles in the classroom. I´d like to share one of those with you; it was published by Matthias Mehl and some colleagues.
Now the thing is: I am German and there is this stereotype of Germans as being rather uptight, not exactly unfriendly, but – you know – a little stiff, just not that easy to talk to. We´re the so-called “nation of poets and thinkers”, but just not very good at small-talk. Which…
…tadahhh – might explain why we´re also a rather happy nation on average!
What Matthias Mehl does as a researcher: he hooks up people with tiny recording devices that switch on automatically at certain intervals over the day. As a result, he gets these little samples of our everyday behavior, especially what we say to other people and what they say to us, respectively. Here´s what he´s found out: People that spend a lot of time in the company of other people are considerably happier on average than folks who mostly like to spend time on their own. There´s nothing new here. But: it also matters to a great extent what you talk about.
There is a considerable negative correlation between life satisfaction and small talk; and a considerable positive correlation between meaningful (“deep”) conversations and life satisfaction. Talking about shallow topics too often may be not all that beneficial to our psychological well-being. This, in turn, reminded me of that little story which is commonly attributed to Socrates – but presumably is a universal parable.
The three sieves of Socrates
Nick, you are so in for a ride with Angela´s stats! She is hilarious and I remember it often felt like watching a Russel Peter’s show. No, I am NOT joking or hallucinating : )
Have a fun immersion week! Savor every second.
EL
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I´ll do that. Just came back from the reception at Marty´s house…
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Awww.. so it was on a Friday this year. Good memories.
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Trust me when I tell you that even as a stats hater, Angela’s class was a highlight for me last year. Welcome to the MAPP family and enjoy the amazing and wild ride you’ll experience over the next year! It will truly be transformational. Looking forward to meeting you at Summit!
B
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Hi Brooke, I´ll be fine, did it before – I just does not come to me naturally. CU at the Summit…
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