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Hunters, busybodies and the knowledge network building associated with deprivation curiosity

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Listed:
  • David M. Lydon-Staley

    (University of Pennsylvania
    University of Pennsylvania)

  • Dale Zhou

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Ann Sizemore Blevins

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Perry Zurn

    (American University)

  • Danielle S. Bassett

    (University of Pennsylvania
    University of Pennsylvania
    University of Pennsylvania
    University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

The open-ended and internally driven nature of curiosity makes characterizing the information seeking that accompanies it a daunting endeavour. We use a historico-philosophical taxonomy of information seeking coupled with a knowledge network building framework to capture styles of information-seeking in 149 participants as they explore Wikipedia for over 5 hours spanning 21 days. We create knowledge networks in which nodes represent distinct concepts and edges represent the similarity between concepts. We quantify the tightness of knowledge networks using graph theoretical indices and use a generative model of network growth to explore mechanisms underlying information-seeking. Deprivation curiosity (the tendency to seek information that eliminates knowledge gaps) is associated with the creation of relatively tight networks and a relatively greater tendency to return to previously visited concepts. With this framework in hand, future research can readily quantify the information seeking associated with curiosity.

Suggested Citation

  • David M. Lydon-Staley & Dale Zhou & Ann Sizemore Blevins & Perry Zurn & Danielle S. Bassett, 2021. "Hunters, busybodies and the knowledge network building associated with deprivation curiosity," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 5(3), pages 327-336, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:5:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1038_s41562-020-00985-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-020-00985-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Hongmi Lee & Janice Chen, 2022. "Predicting memory from the network structure of naturalistic events," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Yoon, Jisung & Park, Jinseo & Yun, Jinhyuk & Jung, Woo-Sung, 2023. "Quantifying knowledge synchronization with the network-driven approach," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 17(4).
    3. Kashdan, Todd & Harrison, Spencer H. & Polman, Evan & Kark, Ronit, 2023. "Curiosity in organizations: Addressing adverse reactions, trade-offs, and multi-level dynamics," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).

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