Work

The Effects of Curiosity-Evoking Events on Activity Enjoyment

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Whereas prior literature has studied the positive effects of curiosity evoking events that are integral to focal activities, we explore whether and how a curiosity-evoking event that is incidental to a focal activity induces negative outcomes for enjoyment. Four experiments and one field study demonstrate that curiosity about an event that is incidental to an activity in which individuals are engaged significantly affects enjoyment of a concurrent activity. The reason why is that curiosity diverts attention away from the concurrent activity and focuses attention on the curiosity-evoking event. Thus, curiosity regarding an incidental event decreases enjoyment of a positive focal activity, but increases enjoyment of a negative focal activity.

Source: Journal of Experimental Psychology Applied

DOI: 10.1037/xap0000089

Authors: Elif Isikman, Deborah J. MacInnis, Gülden Ülkümen, Lisa A. Cavanaugh

Institution: University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Psychological and Educational Research Studies

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W3121920073

FWCI: 3.741

Cites: 33

Cited by: 36

Related to: 10