Positive Psychology: Character, Grit and Research Methods Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course offers a practical, theory-driven introduction to designing and interpreting positive psychology research with a focus on character and grit. Over four weeks, learners will build foundational skills in research methodology, from hypothesis formation to real-world application. The course is structured into four core modules, each requiring approximately 3-4 hours of engagement, including video lectures, readings, and applied exercises. Total time commitment is around 12-16 hours, making it ideal for beginners seeking rigorous, evidence-based insights. Lifetime access ensures flexibility for self-paced learning.
Module 1: Planning for Research
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Understanding the stages of psychological research
- Formulating testable hypotheses in positive psychology
- Distinguishing internal and external validity
- Learning from Angela Duckworth on character and deliberate practice
Module 2: Collecting Data
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Exploring measurement tools for character and grit
- Designing valid and reliable surveys
- Best practices in data collection
- Interview insights from practitioners on grit assessment
Module 3: Analyzing Data
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Interpreting data from positive psychology studies
- Applying inferential statistics concepts
- Evaluating trade-offs in research validity
Module 4: Applying Research
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Translating research findings into interventions
- Designing evidence-based strategies for education and organizations
- Assessing impact using empirical methods
Module 5: Final Project
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Design a research proposal on character or grit
- Apply validity and measurement principles
- Submit for peer review and feedback
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of psychology concepts
- No prior research experience required
- Comfort with reading social science literature
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Develop and test hypotheses in positive psychology
- Evaluate the validity of empirical studies
- Design surveys and measurement tools for character traits
- Interpret data from grit and well-being research
- Translate findings into real-world interventions