The Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, headed by Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman, needs you for our online research studies.
Participation in any of the studies is completely voluntary, and you may drop out of them at any time. These studies all comply with university and U.S. government guidelines for the protection of human subjects and of your online privacy.
These studies may include multiple questionnaires and repeat visits, with possible assignments between visits to the web site. You'll be notified by email whenever your continuing participation in the study is needed.
Click on any study title for more information:
Memorable News StoriesOpen to anyone 18 and over who has a computer with speakers and Internet access.
Many people watch news broadcasts daily. Some stories are more memorable than others. This study investigates what makes a story particularly memorable. For the study, you will play two short games, watch a newsreel containing a series of news clips, complete a memory task, and answer a few questions. Participation in this study is entirely voluntary and will take approximately 30 minutes. Please click on the link above to learn more and get started with this study.
Writing About Life Events StudyInitial screening is open to all those 18 and over who wish to participate
Help us understand how writing about events in your life might impact your well-being as part of a research study by the University of Pennsylvania. Participation involves writing and/or completing questionnaires about your experiences, for an average of 15-30 minutes per week for four weeks. Participants will also complete a brief follow-up questionnaire one month later. We hope to hear from people who have experienced a stressful or traumatic event recently AND those who have not. Please click on the link above to learn more and get started with this research!
Developing the PERMA QuestionnaireOpen to all those 18 and over who wish to participate
We are developing a questionnaire to measure Dr. Martin Seligman’s well-being theory of PERMA. Please click on the above link to participate in research to help create the PERMA Questionnaire.
Well-Being and Physical Health StudyOpen to all those 18 and over who wish to participate
We are seeking to measure well-being in relation to physical health. Please click on the above link to participate in the research.
Friendship and Well-Being StudyOpen to all who wish to participate
Few studies have looked at the relationship between friendship patterns and well-being among adults. In this study, you can help us understand how the friendship patterns people have relate to their well-being. All participants may request the contact person for details of the results upon the completion of this study. Click on the above link to enter the study.
Thoughts People Have StudyOpen to all who wish to participate
This survey is about topics that people think about, and the way they feel when doing so. We will ask you about certain topics and would like to hear about your experience. Your candid responses will help us understand this often neglected part of people's lives. Please click on the above link to enter the study.
21-Day Self-Help StudyOpen to all who wish to participate
Help psychologists develop self-help techniques that work. The Positive Psychology Lab at Reed College is looking for people to complete a self-help technique online. Participation involves an average of 5-10 minutes per day for 21 days. Improve yourself as you contribute to research! Email reedpospsych@gmail.com for more information, or to sign up.