Stanford Psychology Podcast
137 - Kelsey Lucca: Unpacking the Development of Exploration and Exploitation
Jul 26, 2024
Dr. Kelsey Lucca, an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, specializes in cognitive development in early childhood. She discusses her research on how children and adults navigate the 'explore vs. exploit' decision-making process, emphasizing cultural impacts from the U.S. and Turkey. The conversation highlights how children's exploratory behaviors shape adult strategies and the unique dynamics observed in remote interactions during the pandemic. Kelsey also shares insights into fostering curiosity through her exploration of cultural contexts in child development.
37:24
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Quick takeaways
- Children exhibit a greater inclination for exploration and actively encourage exploration in others, highlighting their innate curiosity and social cognition.
- Cultural contexts significantly influence exploration behaviors in children, suggesting that environmental factors shape their decision-making processes in different societies.
Deep dives
Understanding Explore vs. Exploit Decision-Making
The concept of explore vs. exploit describes the choices individuals make between seeking out new experiences or sticking with known, rewarding options. This decision-making process occurs in everyday situations, such as choosing where to eat, where one might either select a familiar restaurant or venture into an unknown place. Research shows that children generally exhibit a greater tendency towards exploration compared to adults, who often prefer exploiting known options. This difference highlights a developmental trait where curiosity and the willingness to take risks can be more pronounced in children.
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