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An energizing role for motivation in information-seeking during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Yaniv Abir

    (Columbia University)

  • Caroline B. Marvin

    (Columbia University)

  • Camilla Geen

    (Columbia University
    University of Pennsylvania)

  • Maya Leshkowitz

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Ran R. Hassin

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Daphna Shohamy

    (Columbia University
    Columbia University
    Columbia University)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of understanding and managing information seeking behavior. Information-seeking in humans is often viewed as irrational rather than utility maximizing. Here, we hypothesized that this apparent disconnect between utility and information-seeking is due to a latent third variable, motivation. We quantified information-seeking, learning, and COVID-19-related concern (which we used as a proxy for motivation regarding COVID-19 and the changes in circumstance it caused) in a US-based sample (n = 5376) during spring 2020. We found that self-reported levels of COVID-19 concern were associated with directed seeking of COVID-19-related content and better memory for such information. Interestingly, this specific motivational state was also associated with a general enhancement of information-seeking for content unrelated to COVID-19. These effects were associated with commensurate changes to utility expectations and were dissociable from the influence of non-specific anxiety. Thus, motivation both directs and energizes epistemic behavior, linking together utility and curiosity.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaniv Abir & Caroline B. Marvin & Camilla Geen & Maya Leshkowitz & Ran R. Hassin & Daphna Shohamy, 2022. "An energizing role for motivation in information-seeking during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-30011-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30011-5
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