Abstract
Grant J. Rich, of Juneau, Alaska, authors this chapter. He weighs in on methodological issues and internationalizing pursuits for positive psychology. Taking a productive critical stand regarding measurement challenges and traditional procedures used in the field, Rich discusses in particular limitations of self-reports and the impact on assessment of factors such as item order, item use, item function, and temporary, current mood. He explores the utility of cross-fertilization with other disciplines, especially with anthropology, and envisions a multimodal, mixed-methods approach for studying and understanding the complexity of the topics under investigation. As a good example of cultural sensitivity, he cites the value of the experience sampling method. Concurrent to these methodological considerations, he notes the urgency to internationalize positive psychology, and the necessity to go beyond cultural universals, and interlocks both- a need for a change in methods and a demand for an international positive psychology.
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Rich, G.J. (2014). Positive Institutions, Communities, and Nations: Methods and Internationalizing Positive Psychology Concepts. In: Águeda Marujo, H., Neto, L. (eds) Positive Nations and Communities. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 6. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6869-7_2
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