Researchers gave participants $20 and asked half to spend it on themselves and half to spend it on others. Those who spent the money on others reported higher levels of happiness than those who spent it on themselves. This effect held regardless of whether participants spent the money on close friends or complete strangers.
The passage suggests that
spending money on strangers makes people unhappy
generosity may contribute to personal well-being
people who keep money for themselves are always happier
the amount of money spent determines happiness levels
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. Spending on others increased reported happiness.
- Context clues: Those who spent on others reported "higher levels of happiness."
- Meaning: The act of giving appears to enhance the giver's well-being.
- Verify: The effect worked for friends and strangers alike, suggesting generosity itself matters.
💡 Strategy: When a behavior consistently produces a positive outcome, infer a causal connection.
Choice A is incorrect because spending on strangers also increased happiness. Choice C is incorrect because self-spenders were less happy. Choice D is incorrect because the same $20 produced different happiness based on how it was spent.