The Role of Empathy in Problem Construction and Creative Problem Solving
Presenter Type
UNO Graduate Student (Doctoral)
Major/Field of Study
Psychology
Other
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Advisor Information
Dr. Roni Reiter-Palmon is my advisor.
Location
MBSC306 - G (Doctoral)
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
24-3-2023 2:30 PM
End Date
24-3-2023 3:45 PM
Abstract
It has long been established that problem construction, which refers to the process of defining ambiguous and ill-defined problems, influences creativity. Individual difference characteristics such as personality traits have been shown to affect the problem construction process as well as creativity as a whole; however, few studies have explored the role of empathy in problem construction. It has been suggested that individuals higher in empathy may be more likely to consider others’ perspectives when engaging in problem construction, thus increasing creativity. This study addresses this notable gap in the literature by examining the influence of empathy on problem construction and creative problem solving via the presentation of a real-world problem scenario. Data were collected from a sample of 220 Amazon Mechanical Turk participants across two surveys. Participants were presented an ambiguous problem scenario that focused on the conflict resulting from a romantic relationship and an important career decision. After presentation of the problem scenario, participants asked to generate as many problem restatements as possible, as well as one solution. Problem restatements and solutions were later rated on originality and quality by quasi-experts trained in the Consensual Assessment Technique. Participant empathy was measured in a follow-up survey administered one week later. The results revealed that empathy had a significant positive relationship with problem construction quality and originality. Problem construction quality was shown to mediate the relationship between empathy and solution quality. Similarly, problem construction originality was shown to mediate the relationship between empathy and solution originality. The results of this study contribute to creativity literature by providing supporting evidence that problem construction is affected by individual characteristics of the problem solver, as well as additional evidence of the importance of personality traits to creative problem solving as a whole. Moreover, this research supported previous findings indicating that problem construction is an important component of the creative problem solving process.
Scheduling
9:15-10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-Noon, 1-2:15 p.m., 2:30 -3:45 p.m.
The Role of Empathy in Problem Construction and Creative Problem Solving
MBSC306 - G (Doctoral)
It has long been established that problem construction, which refers to the process of defining ambiguous and ill-defined problems, influences creativity. Individual difference characteristics such as personality traits have been shown to affect the problem construction process as well as creativity as a whole; however, few studies have explored the role of empathy in problem construction. It has been suggested that individuals higher in empathy may be more likely to consider others’ perspectives when engaging in problem construction, thus increasing creativity. This study addresses this notable gap in the literature by examining the influence of empathy on problem construction and creative problem solving via the presentation of a real-world problem scenario. Data were collected from a sample of 220 Amazon Mechanical Turk participants across two surveys. Participants were presented an ambiguous problem scenario that focused on the conflict resulting from a romantic relationship and an important career decision. After presentation of the problem scenario, participants asked to generate as many problem restatements as possible, as well as one solution. Problem restatements and solutions were later rated on originality and quality by quasi-experts trained in the Consensual Assessment Technique. Participant empathy was measured in a follow-up survey administered one week later. The results revealed that empathy had a significant positive relationship with problem construction quality and originality. Problem construction quality was shown to mediate the relationship between empathy and solution quality. Similarly, problem construction originality was shown to mediate the relationship between empathy and solution originality. The results of this study contribute to creativity literature by providing supporting evidence that problem construction is affected by individual characteristics of the problem solver, as well as additional evidence of the importance of personality traits to creative problem solving as a whole. Moreover, this research supported previous findings indicating that problem construction is an important component of the creative problem solving process.
Additional Information (Optional)
Will need a projector and computer in order to present the powerpoint.