Choose to be Curious
Ep. #74: Neuroscience Eyes Curiosity, with Jacqueline Gottlieb, PhD
Feb 20, 2019
Jacqueline Gottlieb, a neuroscientist from Columbia University, explores how curiosity influences our cognitive processes and decision-making. She discusses the intricate neuroscience behind curiosity, including its definitions and measurements. Gottlieb shares fascinating insights on how curiosity drives humans and animals to seek information, even when it seems irrelevant. Using playful analogies, she likens curiosity to bubblegum, highlighting its transformative role in learning and inquiry. The conversation delves into the complexities of curiosity, encompassing technology's role in emulating human inquiry.
28:45
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Quick takeaways
- Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of human cognition that drives inquiry and shapes our attention and decision-making processes.
- Researchers are employing innovative methods like eye movement analysis to better understand the complex relationship between curiosity, cognition, and emotional motivations.
Deep dives
The Nature of Curiosity
Curiosity is described as the desire and act of asking questions, which is central to human cognition. It engages people in seeking out information that may seem useless at the moment, prompting a deeper inquiry into what this fascination really signifies. Neuroscientists often have difficulty defining and measuring curiosity, leading researchers to explore its behavioral manifestations instead. This approach highlights the importance of curiosity as a complex phenomenon intertwined with attention, decision-making, and cognitive control.
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