Development of an Epistemic Curiosity Scale :

Diverse Curiosity and Specific Curiosity

Abstract

  The present study reports the development of a scale to measure 2 types of epistemic curiosity : diverse curiosity and specific curiosity.  Diverse curiosity is motivation to explore new information widely ; specific curiosity is motivation to explore specific information in order to solve cognitive conflicts.  In Study 1, undergraduates (N=816) completed a questionnaire containing a preliminary pool of 50 items ; from an analysis of those data, 12 items were selected for an Epistemic Curiosity Scale.  Next, the Epistemic Curiosity Scale was completed by 566 undergraduates.  Factor analysis of those data revealed 2 factors, diverse curiosity and specific curiosity, each of which consisted of 6 items.  Cronbach’s α was .81 for both sub-scales.  In Study 2, the validity of the Epistemic Curiosity Scale was examined using the Big Five scale, the BIS/BAS (Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System) scales, the Need for Closure Scale, the Need for Cognition Scale, and the Attitudes towards Ambiguity Scale.  The results of correlational and regression analyses suggested the commonality and contrast of diverse curiosity and specific curiosity, virtually in accordance with theoretical predictions.  Implications and prospects for study using the Epistemic Curiosity Scale were discussed.