I like that the reporter bothered to track down subject matter experts in the field. So often the media takes a miniscule percentage difference between 20 rich Yalie undergrads and makes it seem like that study has the answer to life, universe & everything. This seemed a reasonable consideration of a long held theory. It discussed possible problems with the original theory, with the polling and in general seemed a very well rounded discussion of the issue at hand. As the writer points out there are many variable (how you phrase a question, the cultural issues, relative vs. absolute measures, etc. etc.) I'd much rather read a consideration of the issue like this than some "fluff" piece announcing "money CAN buy happiness" (or announcing the reverse). There are a lot of studies on happiness, satifaction and other issues, so you can never take one study too seriously.