Hypotheses Bridging

Hypotheses: Bridging Political and Social Divides
An Empathy Circle with 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans and a ECF would likely increase mutual understanding, reduce polarization, and build connection, even if political differences remain. It would show that empathy doesn’t require agreement — only presence, curiosity, and care.

• 1. Reduced Polarization and Stereotyping

• 2. Increased Mutual Understanding

• 3. Increased Trust and Relationship Building

• 4. Insights for Dialogue and Democracy

• Groups that could be contacted for Support.

  • William Miller

  • Braverangels.org

  • listenfirstproject.org - network of several hundred bridging orgs

  • Graham Bodie - Listening 

  • Israeli listening academic  - 

  • Other bridging groups.

  • The Global Listening Movement

• What Sort of Support?

  • Finding participants to take part in the study

  • Finding Funding

  • Promotion of the Study after competed 

• Notes

  • As follow on studies

    • This study could be expanded into other conflict groups

    • Could do longitudinal studies

    • Study Religious Polarization

    • Israel- Palestinian

AI - Research

• Question: Help me design an academic research study. We want to test the effect of bringing polarized democrats and republicans with an Empathy Circle Facilitator into  Empathy Circle as developed by Edwin Rutsch.

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Framing the Question: Bridging Political and Social Divides

Help me design an academic research study. We want to test the effect of bringing polarized two democrats and two republicans with an Empathy Circle Facilitator into  Empathy Circle as developed by Edwin Rutsch. "

Do not bring in the concept of compassion or the words cognitive or affective empathy.

Have different control groups, 1. Structured Debate, 2. Unstructured dialogue.