A Curious New Perspective on Learning Across Difference: The Impact of Curiosity on Social Perspective-Taking

• In Event: Curious About Curiosity? Unpacking Curiosity and Interest in Various Learning Settings

Abstract

Research shows that adopting diverse perspectives leads to a range of positive cognitive and relational outcomes. However, increasing division between groups who hold opposing views threatens to limit opportunity for such interactions. Using data from two survey studies (n = 1,072) in which people rated interactions with opponents who disagreed regarding a divisive issue, the present study examines how levels of dispositional curiosity impact participants’ perspective-taking efforts and perceptions towards their interaction partners. Additionally, this study examines the relative effect of three distinct components of curiosity: overt and covert social curiosity, and joyous exploration. Across studies, we find levels of trait curiosity positively predict perspective-taking efforts and perceptions, contributing to greater understanding of the motivating factors for social perspective-taking.

Authors

• Lindi Shepard, Johns Hopkins University

• Emily Branch, Johns Hopkins University

• Hunter Gehlbach, Johns Hopkins University