What is a major difficulty in the data collection process for the Happiness Index across different countries?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Answer: Ensuring consistent and uniform survey methods globally
Explanation: The World Happiness Report measures happiness across countries using surveys based on people’s self-reported well-being.
A major challenge in collecting this data is:
Different countries use different survey methods and sampling techniques
Cultural differences affect how people interpret and respond to “happiness” questions
Variation in question wording, language, and scale interpretation
Difficulty in ensuring standardization and comparability across nations
Because of this, maintaining consistent and uniform survey methods globally is the biggest challenge.
Additional Key Points:
Happiness Index is based on factors like:
GDP per capita
social support
life expectancy
freedom
generosity
corruption perception
Published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network
Data is largely based on Gallup World Poll surveys
Subjective nature of happiness makes it difficult to measure scientifically
Potential Exam-Oriented Questions & Answers:
Question: What is the main challenge in measuring happiness?
Answer: Subjectivity and lack of uniform survey methods
Question: What type of data is happiness index based on?
Answer: Subjective survey-based well-being data