I had hoped to have a quiet and relaxing Saturday morning, but a CNN news story roused me to action. The segment claimed that North Dakota had been named by the Gallup agency as the countries “happiest” state. If this story had surfaced on the Internet, I would have wondered whether it was an Onion story. I even checked but found nothing. So, it must be true.
OK – it is always important to approach these weird news claims with a critical eye. Perhaps I could use the article in class and discuss how we can be mislead by faulty research methods. I would have expected more from the Gallup organization.
The official Gallup announcement provides some detail. North won based on strength in specific categories. ND ranked first in Work Environment and Physical Health. The top ranked states are located in a cluster in the upper midwest – South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Minnesota. Job creation growth was proposed as a major factor in the rankings.
ABC was as confused as I was.
BTW – I will soon be moving and selling my house. I know, I know – leaving the happiest state. There is an opportunity for someone here. Take advantage of my foolishness. Come on – Get Happy.