&w=1200&q=75)
Study Reveals Card Game Enhances Empathy in College Students
Mediating students' empathy development through play
Image: Phys.org
A study from Penn State University highlights how the IMPACT Deck, a card game designed for classroom use, fosters empathy development among college students. By engaging in character-driven discussions, students enhance their understanding of technology's societal impact while enjoying a playful learning experience.
- 01The IMPACT Deck was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate discussions on technology's effects on society.
- 02The study involved 104 undergraduate students from 30 classes using the IMPACT Deck, measuring empathy through the Basic Empathy Scale.
- 03Students reported themes of 'perspective-taking and playfulness,' 'peer interaction,' and 'personal development' during their experiences.
- 04Quantitative results indicated a strong correlation between empathy scores and statements about learning from peers and engaging in difficult conversations.
- 05The study emphasizes the importance of integrating empathy development into education to enhance social understanding and citizenship.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
A recent study conducted by researchers at Penn State University Libraries' Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) has demonstrated that playing the IMPACT Deck, a card game, significantly aids in the empathy development of college students. Published in the Journal of Play in Adulthood, the research evaluated how this game-based learning tool encourages discussions about technology's societal impacts. The IMPACT Deck features character cards with rich backstories, prompting players to explore diverse perspectives as they engage in gameplay. The study involved 104 undergraduate students across 30 classes, utilizing the Basic Empathy Scale and qualitative feedback to assess the deck's effectiveness. Findings revealed that students valued the game for its ability to foster perspective-taking, peer interaction, and personal growth. Participants noted that the deck provided a 'fun way to learn' and facilitated critical discussions about technology's role in their lives. The results underscore the necessity of incorporating empathy development into educational frameworks, enhancing students' understanding of their peers and societal responsibilities.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The study's findings suggest that integrating empathy development tools like the IMPACT Deck can enhance students' social understanding and communication skills.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think incorporating games in education can enhance empathy among students?
Connecting to poll...
More about Penn State University
Study Reveals AI's Ability to Generate Finance Research Papers Similar to Human Authors
Phys.org • May 29, 2026
New Insights into the Origins of Ultrahigh-Energy Cosmic Rays
Universe Today • May 26, 2026
Penn State Nittany Lions Football: Recruiting Success and Upcoming Challenges Ahead
Si • May 25, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.