WIP: Comparing Engineering and Humanities Student Approaches to Complex Problem Solving

This work-in-progress research paper contributes new insights into the qualitative differences in conceptualization and problem-solving approaches between engineering and humanities students in a scenario-based complex problem. We interviewed 14 undergraduate students at Purdue University, comparing their levels of complexity in conceptualization and problem-solving approaches. The first round of coding suggested that students' academic disciplines had some impact on the complexity of their problem-solving approaches. We are currently conducting a second round of indepth analysis to understand what types of educational experiences encourage systems thinking. The results can inform the development of engineering courses that aim to develop systems thinking.