Ever since man invented money, the question has been asked: Can money buy happiness? Recently, research has given us a much better understanding of the relationship between what we earn and how we feel. Economists have studied the links between income and happiness across nations, and psychologists have conducted countless studies to discover our true feelings about money. Studies consistently show that people who agree with statements like, "You'll only buy things because you want them," tend to be less satisfied with life, less happy, and more likely to be depressed. But, just like studies examining the connection between success and happiness, many of the findings are correlated. Consequently we cannot say with certainty that materialism causes all of these things, only that they are associated. So, to have a better proof, we suggest the experiment. Experiential versus Material PurchasesLeaf Van Boven of the University of Colorado and Thomas Gilovich of Cornell University conducted an intriguing experiment that addresses the question of whether materialism results in less happiness (Van Boven & Gilovich, 2003). They randomly divided the students into two groups and gave each group slightly different instructions: This group was asked to write a description of a material purchase that had made them happy. Material purchases include things like clothes, gadgets, computers, and so on. It could be something they bought themselves or something that was bought for them. This group's task was only slightly different. They were asked to write a description of an experiential purchase that had given them pleasure. Examples of experiential purchases include meals out, concert tickets and travel. To see how ... middle of paper ...... you understand that we clearly live in a society awash in materialism, where objects are valued far beyond their possible contribution to our happiness. So how can this conflict be resolved? One answer to this question is that, while we are likely to think of other people as materialistic, we defend our purchases as necessary and, at worst, indulgent. After all, materialism is a dirty word. A dirty word that is on everyone's mind. References Solnick, S. J., & Hemenway, D. (1998). Is more always better? An investigation of positional concerns. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 37, 373-383. Van Boven, L. (2005) Experientialism, materialism and the pursuit of happiness. General Psychology Review, 9, 132-142. Van Boven, L., & Gilovich, T. (2003). Do or have? This is the question. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85, 1193-1202.