Playing With Your (Epistemic) Emotions: How Feelings Predict (Biased) Information-Seeking

• In Event: Exploring Emotions and Emotional Engagement Across Learning Contexts

Abstract

Epistemic emotions are momentary feelings arising in response to information that is typically incongruent with one’s current set of beliefs and/or values. Scholars are beginning to recognize that such emotions have implications for learning and the application of critical thinking skills, being related to a wide range of behavioral outcomes that correspond to clear and effective cognitive performance. In this study, we extend a model of cognitive incongruity by positioning epistemic emotions in a new light: by relating them to biased information-seeking on two controversial socio-scientific issues. Employing a multinomial logistic regression model, we find that the epistemic emotion of curiosity significantly increases the likelihood that someone would choose to explore additional, non-biased information. Additional analyses and implications are discussed.

Author

• Gabe Avakian Orona, Boston College