Interest and Curiosity. The Role of Interest in a Theory of Exploratory Action

Abstract

Presents a theoretical conception of exploratory behavior based on the views of a person-object perspective of interest. Three aspects of the interest concepts are considered: (1) the object of interests, (2) the structural components of interest, and (3) the characteristics of the interest-oriented person-object relationship. Three conceptual levels of objects are distinguished: object domains, objects of interest, and reference objects. The levels differ from each other in their level of specifity. Interests represent a stable relationship between a person and an object domain in that person's environment. Interests play an important role in the goal-oriented character of diverse curiosity and exploratory actions. In addition, interests also influence the content and effects of a chain of exploratory actions separated from one another in terms of time or situation. In conclusion, this position is considered within an ontogenetic perspective of continuity of interest content over a longer sequence of exploratory actions.