Justin Hess , Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering, Purdue University
Abstract: This talk will delve into the research domain of measuring and assessing empathy in the context of engineering design. The instrument was developed based on the theory that empathy manifests in unique ways across distinct phases of engineering design. For example, how empathy manifests in Needfinding may look distinct from how empathy manifests in Evaluation. The initial instrument measured empathy constructs which captured variations in Cognitive and Affective Empathy across three design phases. Ongoing work associated with a NSF Research in the Formation of Engineering study seeks to understand whether other empathy types or design phases ought to be included. This interactive talk will share the existing measure of empathy in engineering design, share ongoing data collection approaches to iterate on the instrument, and seek feedback from participants regarding the alignment of the instrument with their experiences and perceptions. This talk will provide participants with new insights and a valuable tool for assessing and identifying students' empathic development in engineering education.
Bio: Dr. Justin L Hess is an assistant professor in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University. Dr. Hess’s research focuses on ethical and empathic formation in engineering education. He received his PhD from Purdue University’s School of Engineering Education, as well as a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Purdue University’s School of Civil Engineering. He is the editorial board chair for the Online Ethics Center, deputy director of research for the National Institute of Engineering Ethics, and past-division chair for the ASEE Liberal Education/Engineering and Society division.
