Question

Which variables measure level of happiness? using Descriptive statistics and bivariate statistics.

Answer 1

There are several variables that measure level of happiness. Some of the important variables are as follows:

1) Genes

2) Social and cultural circumstances

3) Positive outlook

4) Social relationships

5) Money, etc,.

Bivariate statistics means comparing two variables and determining if one variable (i.e., independent variable: x) influences the other (i.e., dependent variable: y).

For example, genes =x and level happiness =y

Now, we determine whether genes is a significant factor of level of happiness using bivariate statistics.

Similarly, we can take another independent variable, money.

Bivariate statistics can be either discrete or inferential. If the results obtained from the sample data are used to infer to the population that the sample represents, then we call it 'inferential statistics'. If we do not infer the results obtained to any population, we call it 'descriptive statistics' where we just give the interpretation of the results obtained such as covariance, correlation, scatter plot, linear regression.

Another way of measuring level of happiness is by asking each individual to choose one of the given options about level of happiness which he/she feels most appropriate:

For example, "By considering all the factors together, what is your level of happiness in your life?"

A. Very happy

B. Somewhat happy

C. Not very happy

D. Not at all happy

These options indicate various levels of happiness in an order and so, we call it as ordinal scale of measurement.