The Science Behind Inquisitiveness

The boldness of asking deep questions may require unforeseen flexibility if we are to accept the answers — Brian Greene

Research By Lowenstein

What's That Over The Hill ?

George Lowenstein in the early 90s,while studying the theory of curiosity discovered an interesting fact . According to Loewenstein, curiosity emerges  when we feel a gap “between what we know and what we want to know”. Loewenstein's model of curiosity highlights  the area of  “manageable gaps” in one's knowledge. According to him the urge for discovery increases as a person recognizes  that a gap exists between his current knowledge state and a desired knowledge state.

It is this “gap” that we bridge when we throw the hook of questions at our mind.Answers inevitably surface when we “give” a question.Our mind will provide answers to whatever we dwell on, so we need to be careful of what we choose to place our focus on.

Thinking In Question Answer Format

Questioning is a cognitive process and is a direct outcome of curiosity.It has been know to neuroscience for sometime now,that repetitive questioning energises curiosity further and inclines the brain to receive potentially useful answers.

When we think, we invariably do so in question answer format.Particularly when we are considering something that we haven’t thought of,or known, before; something fresh.And this is the zone,of development,of innovation,of new possibilities, and of growth.

kindling The Fire

There is a process of ignition which is set in motion in the brain.Neurologists call it “kindling”.Much like lighting a wood fire the neurons enter increased activity .If the question concerns the familiar there is an accelerated  kindling process. the more we repeat a certain thought pattern, the more readily that neural pathway fires in the future.  In other words, the more you have a thought pattern, the easier it becomes to have it again

Models Of Curiosity

This leads us to conclude that the more often we think along a specific track the more active is that specific neuro-pathway,and the more reinforced our beliefs.

Specific to curiosity, research tentatively establishes two prominent models;the curiosity-drive model,and the optimal arousal model

Curiosity Drive Model

This model states that the brain attempts to find answers because it is compelled to do so.This is because we are flooded with sensory inputs of experience constantly,which results in a sensation of uncertainty.To dispel it most living beings display exploratory and curious behavior.This exploration, of the novel surrounding or distant environment,mitigates the unpleasant state of uncertainty.

Optimal Arousal Model

The brain is wired to maintain an equilibrium between two extremes; arousal at one end and exploration at the other.If the the environmental stimulus is over arousing  then a withdrawing behavior emerges,and if there is an excess of boredom, the result is exploratory response.Eventually the brain is constantly balancing itself between the arousal and exploration states.That is why ,even in absence of  a stimulating environment the organism is in a state of exploration.

Over to you my friends.............