Work

Exploring Sources of Individual Differences in Children's Interest in Science

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Efforts have been made to promote children's interest in science, but little is known about how children's interest in science relates to other characteristics, such as science‐specific curiosity, domain‐general epistemic curiosity, and verbal intelligence. The current study examines how these factors relate to individual differences in children's self‐reported interest in science topics. Children 7‐ to 10‐years‐old (n = 91) rated their interest in science and non‐science topics and completed measures of science‐specific curiosity, domain‐general epistemic curiosity, and verbal intelligence. An additional 94 7‐ to 10‐year‐olds rated their interest in science and non‐science topics and completed the science‐specific curiosity measure. The results suggest that individual differences in children's science interest relate most strongly to scientific curiosity, and specifically to the drive to seek out information and new experiences.

Source: Mind Brain and Education

DOI: 10.1111/mbe.12263

Authors: Allison J. Williams, Judith H. Danovitch, Candice M. Mills

Institutions: University of Louisville, The University of Texas at Dallas

Language: English

Topic: Psychological and Educational Research Studies

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900

Funder: National Science Foundation