Positive Psychology: Character, Grit and Research Methods (Coursera)

Positive Psychology: Character, Grit and Research Methods (Coursera)

Learners discover how apply to research methods to their study of Positive Psychology. In this course, we study with Dr. Angela Duckworth and Dr. Claire Robertson-Kraft. Through an exploration their work "True Grit" and interviews with researchers and practitioners, you develop a research hypothesis and learn how to understand the difference between internal and external validity. You also begin to understand and apply the strengths and weaknesses associated with different types of measurements and evaluation designs. You then interpret the results in an empirical study.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

What You Will Learn

  • Assess whether a hypothesis is good based on its characteristics
  • Make use of best practices for research data collection
  • Utilize inferential statistics for data analysis
  • Describe the basics of research methodologies and design

Suggested prerequisites: Positive Psychology: Martin E. P. Seligman’s Visionary Science and Positive Psychology: Applications and Interventions.
Course 3 of 5 in the Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Planning for Research
WEEK 2: Collecting Data
WEEK 3:Analyzing Data
WEEK 4:Using Research to Inform Your Work and the World Around You

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Schizophrenia (Coursera) Coursera
Wesleyan University

Schizophrenia (Coursera)

The main goal of this class are to gain an introductory exposure to the nature of the psychiatric disorder known as schizophrenia as revealed by the scientific method. We will discuss a broad range of findings from the scientific investigation of biological and psychological factors related to schizophrenia and its treatment.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Psychology of Popularity (Coursera) Coursera
University of North Carolina

Psychology of Popularity (Coursera)

The level of popularity you experienced in childhood and adolescence is still affecting you today in ways that you may not even realize. Learn about how psychologists study popularity and how these same concepts can be used in adulthood to be more successful at work, become better parents, and have a happier life.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
De-Mystifying Mindfulness (Coursera) Coursera
Leiden University

De-Mystifying Mindfulness (Coursera)

Interest in meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation has grown exponentially in recent years. Rather than being seen as mystical practices from ancient Buddhism or esoteric philosophy, they are increasingly seen as technologies rooted in evidence from psychology and neuroscience. Mindfulness has become the basis for numerous therapeutic interventions, both as a treatment in healthcare and as a means of enhancing well-being and happiness. For millions around the world, mindfulness has become a life-style choice, enhancing and enriching everyday experience. Mindfulness is big business.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs (Coursera) Coursera
University of Toronto

The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs (Coursera)

This course provides an introduction to: 1- Basic concepts of The Strategies and Skills Learning and Development System (SSLD), their relevance for every day relationships and provide advanced concepts for participants who work in fields of social work and health care. 2- Basic practice principles and methods of SSLD, illustrated by relationship management case studies. 3- The SSLD framework for relationship management assessment; N3C (needs, circumstances, characteristics, capacity) and problem translation. 4- Core competencies in the relationship management application of the SSLD system: Observation learning, simulation, real life implementation, review and monitoring.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness (Coursera) Coursera
University of Toronto

The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness (Coursera)

Learn how social factors promote mental health, influence the onset and course of mental illness, and affect how mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated. This course explores how our understanding of mental health and illness has been influenced by social attitudes and social developments in North America and around the world. The course begins by situating our contemporary mental health practices in historical context, then looks at different aspects of mental health, mental illness and mental health services and their connections to what’s going on in our social environment.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
社会调查与研究方法 (下)Methodologies in Social Research (Part 2) (Coursera) Coursera
Peking University

社会调查与研究方法 (下)Methodologies in Social Research (Part 2) (Coursera)

社会调查与研究方法, 首先,是一套观察社会现象、测量社会现象的工具; 其次,是一套分析和运用社会现象数据的科学方法; 最高境界,则是一套针对社会、经济、教育、政治、法律、管理、公共卫生、新闻报道等人类的生产与生活现象,进行科学沟通的思维逻辑与表达方式。

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 3: How Does It All End? (Coursera) Coursera
Rutgers University

Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 3: How Does It All End? (Coursera)

Throughout history, the vast majority of people around the globe have believed they have, however defined, a “soul.” While the question of whether the soul exists cannot be answered by science, what we can study are the causes and consequences of various beliefs about the soul and its prospects of surviving the death of the body. Why are soul and afterlife beliefs so common in human history? Are there adaptive advantages to assuming souls exist?

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Children's Human Rights - An Interdisciplinary Introduction (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

Children's Human Rights - An Interdisciplinary Introduction (Coursera)

Drawing on the contributions of several academic disciplines including law, psychology, sociology, history, educational and health sciences, economy and anthropology, an interdisciplinary approach guides the student into a selection of critical issues concerning children’s rights. Participants will gain insight relative to the development of this specific human rights category, as well as to the evolution of the challenges faced by children over time and society’s efforts to respond.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment (Coursera) Coursera
Indian School of Business - ISB

A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment (Coursera)

What are the determinants of a happy and fulfilling life? This is surely one of life’s biggest questions, and a question that has interested many of our ancestors. Buddha famously gave up his kingdom in search of happiness. Several Greek philosophers (from Aristotle to Epicurus and Plato to Socrates) had their own views on what it takes to be happy. And of course, we all have our own theories about happiness too.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Psicología (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de Palermo

Psicología (Coursera)

¿Qué estudia la psicología? ¿Qué hacen los psicólogos? ¿La conciencia, qué es? ¿Y el estrés? ¿Cómo aprendemos? La sensación y la percepción ¿son lo mismo? ¿El lenguaje depende de las ideas? ¿O será que nuestro pensamiento es dependiente del lenguaje que hablamos? ¿Querés conocer las respuestas a estos interrogantes? En este curso de Psicología podrás explorar sobre todo esto y mucho más. Al culminar su recorrido no solo vas a haber aprendido sobre las bases del cautivante mundo de la psicología, sino que contarás con herramientas que te permitirán conocerte mejor.

Aug 10th 2026
4 Weeks