An experiment on happiness

An experiment aiming to cheer up the world has begun.

Professor Richard Wiseman launched an ambitious project today which requires the participation of a large number of people who are willing to spend just one minute a day to perform a happiness boosting exercise. It is hoped that the participant's increased level of happiness will pass on to those around him and may end up cheering the entire world.

As mentioned, the experiment begun today, August 3 and will end August 7, Friday.



Participating is quite easy:

1. First complete a short questionnaire about your sex, age and current level of happiness.
2. Watch a short video describing Prof. Wiseman's happiness boosting exercise. It's takes less than a minute to do and you will have to repeat it everyday.
3. You'll be asked to rate your level of happiness again at the end of the project.

Very simply, right?

It should be noted that different groups will be given different exercises. This will help identify that most effective way of increasing happiness. There's also hope that there will be a 'domino effect' as a participant becomes increasingly happy, it will be passed along to those around him.

Why don't you join? It could help spread more cheer all around.

Professor Richard Wiseman is a psychologist, a magician and an author. He started as a professional magician then got his degree in Psychology from the University College London and his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Edinburgh.

He is a well-known skeptic and for debunking paranormal claims. His research has been featured on over 150 television programmes, including Horizon (BBC), 20/20 (ABC), and Dateline (NBC).

He was the recipient of The CSICOP Public Education In Science Award in 2000 and the Joseph Lister Award For Social Science in 2002.

Some of his works include "Quirkology: The Curious Science of Everyday Lives" and "The Luck Factor: The Scientific Study of the Lucky Mind."

His latest book, 59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot, "exposes self-help myths, and presents fast-acting and scientifically proven techniques that help you achieve your aims and ambitions in less than a minute. From mood to memory, persuasion to procrastination, and resilience to relationships." Check out the website 59 Seconds to know more.

Read more of Prof. Wiseman's biography over at www.richardwiseman.com.