Evaluation Tools
We used a combination of quantitative and qualitative tools to measure empathy in our participants:
Quantitative Tools
We gathered quantitative data using the following tools:
Measuring Empathy with the IRI
Quantitative Tools
We gathered quantitative data using the following tools:
- The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to measure empathy
- The Basis Peak fitness watch to measure emotional response
Measuring Empathy with the IRI
ABOVE: Sample of the IRI that we created as a Qualtrics survey for all participants to complete pre- and pos-evaluation
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The IRI (Davis, 1980) was created specifically to measure four factors related to empathy. The IRI uses 28 items answered on a five-point Likert scale ranging from “Does not describe me well” to “Describes me very well”. The IRI provides 7 statements for each of the following 4 subscales:
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Mark H. Davis, 1980. A multidimensional approach to individual differences in empathy. JSAS Catalog of Selected Documents in Psychology, 10, 85.
Mark H. Davis, 1980. A multidimensional approach to individual differences in empathy. JSAS Catalog of Selected Documents in Psychology, 10, 85.
Measuring Emotional Response with the Basis Peak fitness watch To measure emotional response, we had participants sit quietly for 5 minutes and then strap on the Basis Peak fitness watch. They wore the watch for 2 minutes while it captured a base of the following biometric measurements:
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Qualitative Tools
We gathered qualitative data in debriefing sessions where we observed participant reactions to each experience and asked the following open-ended and direct questions:
- So tell me, describe your reaction: what did you think about the exhibit (immersive) or audio narrative (non-immersive)?
- What one word would you use to describe your experience?
- Do you have anything else you’d like to tell me before we finish?