How is the data for the Happiness Index collected?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Through self-reported surveys
Explanation
The primary data for the World Happiness Index is collected through comprehensive self-reported surveys managed by the Gallup World Poll. Instead of relying solely on objective national statistics, the index directly asks individuals to evaluate their own current life satisfaction. This is measured using a standard question known as the Cantril Ladder, where respondents are asked to imagine a ladder with steps numbered from 0 (the worst possible life) to 10 (the best possible life) and rate their own standing on it.
Key Points
The ranking of countries is based entirely on the three-year average of these subjective life evaluation scores provided by the citizens themselves.
While the primary ranking is based on self-reported surveys, the report uses six key macroeconomic and social variables to explain the statistical variations in happiness levels across different nations.
These six explaining factors include GDP per capita, social support (having someone to count on), healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity (charitable donations), and perceptions of corruption.
Additional Facts
The World Happiness Report is published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Each annual sample size typically includes around 1,000 respondents per country, drawn from nationally representative samples of the resident population aged 15 and older.
The survey is structured to capture individual emotional well-being by asking about positive affect (laughter, enjoyment experienced the previous day) and negative affect (worry, sadness, anger felt the previous day).
Important Questions
Question: Which organization conducts the global self-reported surveys used to compile the World Happiness Index data?
Answer: Gallup World Poll.
Question: What is the name of the standard metric scale question used in the surveys where individuals rate their life from 0 to 10?
Answer: The Cantril Ladder.