Based on your understanding of the components of GDP per capita and the alternative measurements that include other
factors used to describe the quality of life, determine what quality of life means and how to measure it. Remember, the
measure of well-being should be different from the GDP per capita.
As you complete each step of this assignment, save your work on your own computer, as you will turn in all of your
answers together for the final project.
1. Jot down three to four sentences to define quality of life, and note one example that supports
your definition. Your definition should reflect your personal belief about what quality of life means
to you. This will help you develop your personal statement for the project.
2. Research alternative measurements of quality of life. Gather more information about how a
country's quality of life can be measured. Consider how sources affect your personal views. When
researching, be sure to follow these guidelines, to ensure your sources are reputable:
1. The source clearly identifies who the author is.
2. The source's author has expertise in the field in which the person is writing. For instance, if you are
reading a source on an environmental issue, you would want the author to be someone who has
research experience with the topic.
3. The source is academic, meaning it is published by a respected site or source in the field of study.
such as an official government Web sites, a university, academic journals, or reputable news sources.
4. The source does not state opinions as facts.
5. The source clearly cites where its information came from.
6. The source is current and does not include dated information.
Be sure to use at least two sources to support your views. You will need to cite them later, so copy down their information.
3. Once you have completed your research, list three alternative factors you would use to measure
quality of life. After each, explain why this factor is important using the information, you have found
from an outside source. For example, suppose you choose education as a factor. Then, your
sentence could be about measuring the number of people who finished high school.
Cite your sources for each factor. It is OK if your opinions have changed after completing your
research.
4. Now that your opinion is researched, you will discuss your ideas with your peers. Remember the
following differences between discussions and debates.