Does Economic Growth Increase Well Being

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Does Economic Growth Increase Well Being?

• Brian Fritz
• ECO 4810. Senior Seminar
• Department of Economics
• Appalachian State University
• March 19, 2007

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Intent

• What really determines the happiness of an
  American?

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Previous Research

• Does income explain happiness?

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Theory
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Theory Cont
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Data

• 2004 General Social Survey

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Model - bivariate
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Model - multivariate
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Model diminishing returns
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Happiness
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Independent Variables

• Income (mean 36.1k)
• Happy (mean 2.2)
• Pray (mean 4.3)

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Data
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Results

• Does money matter?

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Results cont
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Does praying matter?
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In school?
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Future Research