The Science of Curiosity: Why Our Brains Love Learning New Things

Admit it – we have all found ourselves scrolling through Wikipedia pages at 1:00 a.m., chasing after absurd facts. What is the driving force behind this madness?
Curiosity is defined as the desire to learn, explore and investigate. It is a trait that can be found not only in humans, but also other animals, like dolphins, raccoons, dogs and cats. In fact, this trait is a neurological adaptation that allows these animals to discover new things and adapt to their ever-changing surroundings! Curiosity is not just a feeling or emotion, but a tool.

The Psychology of Curiosity

Epistemic Curiosity is the drive to learn, explore and solve. This is the curiosity that fuels our Wikipedia fact-chasing sessions. It is a pleasurable feeling. When we learn new things, our brain releases dopamine, i.e., the ‘feel-good’ hormone. Epistemic curiosity is undiminished throughout our lives. An old man and a little girl feel the same intensity of curiosity, although a child’s curiosity is broader and older individuals are more specialized in exploration.
Curiosity can also be triggered by the need for closure. When you face traumatic, unresolved experiences, your brain’s first instinct would be to suppress that feeling. But, curiosity lets you question these feelings and aids emotional regulation, as it prevents you from seeking quick solutions (wrong judgment).

Curiosity & Learning

The traditional education system suppresses curiosity by emphasizing on memorization over understanding. This reduces a student’s autonomy over learning. The over-emphasis on good grades pushes students to be ‘right’ all the time, preventing them from making mistakes. Not making mistakes would push the student away from exploration and critical thinking, and towards the need to be ‘right’ all time. This suppresses curiosity, preventing students from actually learning.
An inquiry-based approach to learning would actually help a student understand concepts and their applications in real life. This approach, i.e., allowing students to be curious, fosters creative-thinking and creativity, making them great problem-solvers.

Curiosity is often regarded as a distraction in traditional schooling systems. But, when nurtured, curiosity can serve as a path for learning and problem-solving. It reminds us that learning is not about being ‘right’, but understanding. This way, we can achieve knowledge and meaning.