Boosting Learning Through Curiosity and Prediction Error

Curiosity can enhance learning and retention by triggering brain areas associated with reward and dopamine when questions are posed rather than answered. The gap between existing knowledge and new information, known as prediction error, stimulates curiosity by pushing individuals to seek more data. This process energizes and motivates individuals to acquire new information, even though it might feel uncomfortable at first. When an idea is met with mixed reactions of being counterintuitive and obvious, it often signifies the unveiling of intriguing insights.