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Curiosity: Nature, Dimensionality, and Determinants This chapter discusses previous and contemporary theory and research on curiosity as a psychological construct in depth, and also reviews the latest findings curiosity as an orientation towards seeking new information of potential interest (I-type) and the desire to satisfy feelings of knowledge deprivation (D-type).

Litman, J.A. (2019). Curiosity: Nature, dimensionality, and determinants, In K.A. Renninger & S.E. Hidi (Eds.) The Cambridge Handbook of Motivation and Learning. (pp. 418-442). New York, NY:Cambridge University Press.

For reprints and preprints of the latest advances in theory and research on the I/D Model and related topics, click the links below. For relevant scales, click on the Psychometric Instruments link in the menu bar.

Curiosity and Crisis over the Lifespan Working with colleagues in the UK, we’ve found evidence that curiosity is more frequently experienced and expressed during times of personal turmoil, suggesting it may play a key role in responding to uncertainty during stressful periods in one’s life.

Robinson, O.C., Demetre, J., & Litman, J.A. (2017). Adult life stage and crisis as predictors of curiosity and authenticity: Testing inferences from Erikson’s lifespan theory. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 41, 426-431

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Message Recipient Psychological Characteristics: Incurious and Curious Motives to Learn about Health Risks
This paper reviews important connections between inquisitiveness and coping with the stress of potential health threats.

Litman, J. A. (2017). Message Recipient Psychological Characteristics: Incurious and curious motives to learn about Health Risks. In: R. Parrot (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Health and Risk Message Design and Processing. New York: Oxford University Press

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Intrapersonal Curiosity: Inquisitiveness about the Inner Self

Working with colleagues in the UK, we’ve begun to examine both the nature and dimensionality of Intrapersonal Curiosity (InC), or curiosity about the inner self, including examining one’s purpose and meaning in life, reflecting on one’s past, and contemplating the meaning of one’s emotions.

Litman, J.A., Robinson, O.C., & Demetre, J.D. (2017). Intrapersonal curiosity: Inquisitiveness about the inner self. Self and Identity, 16, 231-250.

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Epistemic Curiosity and Self-Regulation

My colleagues and I have been exploring the relationships between I- and D-type EC and self-regulation. We find that I-type EC involves optimism, taking risks and having fun while learning, while D-type EC involves caution, deliberation and thoughtfulness in seeking knowledge. In short, it appears that I-type EC orients individuals towards carefree forms of intellectual exploration, whereas D-type EC orients individuals to utilize their cognitive resources more judiciously.

Lauriola, M., Litman, J. A., Mussel, P., Desantis, R., Crowson, H.M., & Hoffman, R.R. (2015). Epistemic curiosity and self-regulation. Personality and Individual Differences, 83, 202-207.