Jodie's Empathy Circle Research Plan - A Dissertation Prospectus in pursuit of the degree of doctor of philosophy in psychology at Brigham Young University.
PROJECT: Jodie’s - Empathy Circle Research Study - Edwin's Notes
Hypotheses: Bridging Political and Social Divides
Because polarization is such a critical issue and problem in the US now, there may be more support for it.
Groups that could be contacted for Support.
Academic
William Miller - (link)
Marco Iacoboni Lab - UCLA (link)
Alison Martingano - Social Research Lab UW-Green Bay
Graham Bodie - (link) Professor, Media & Communication, University of Mississippi/Chief Listening Officer, Listen First Project
Israeli listening academic -
Tania Singer - Prof. Dr. Tania Singer is a social neuroscientist and psychologist and world expert on empathy and compassion. (link)
William Ickes - William Ickes is a personality and social psychologist who is known primarily for his research on unstructured dyadic interaction.
Kevin Waldman - (link) Kevin Waldman conducts research at the intersection of men’s psychology, masculinity, performance, and LGBT mental health.
Bridging Organizations - maybe good for support and finding study participants
Braver Angels - Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.
Listen First Project - network of several hundred bridging orgs
BridgeUSA - A youth-led organization that creates chapters on high school and college campuses. It aims to foster a generation of young leaders who can engage constructively across political differences and promote a less-polarized political culture.
Turning Point USA - Right wing advocacy. May be able to recrut students to take part in the study.
National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD): An umbrella organization that serves as a hub for the "dialogue and deliberation" field. The NCDD connects thousands of practitioners, organizations, and academics and provides resources and a community of practice.
Weave: The Social Fabric Project: Founded by New York Times columnist David Brooks and housed at the Aspen Institute, Weave focuses on supporting and connecting local community leaders ("Weavers") who are repairing the social fabric through local action.
New Pluralists: This is a philanthropic collaborative that funds and supports a wide range of organizations (including many on this list) working to build a more pluralistic and less-divided America. They focus on healing division and building a "culture of pluralism.
Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC): A Washington, D.C.-based think tank that actively tries to build consensus between Democrats and Republicans. It was founded by former Senate Majority Leaders and works to develop and promote bipartisan policy solutions to major national challenges.
What Sort of Support?
Finding participants to take part in the study
Finding Funding
Promotion of the Study after competed
Notes
Next follow on studies
This study could be expanded into other conflict groups
Could do longitudinal studies
Some Types of Dialogue Practices to Study?
Unstructured Dialogue
Debate
ILA Listening Circles - talking stick circles.