Since October, the team has been conducting the online survey 'How curious are you?', aimed at the human urge for new experiences and knowledge. How do people differ in their curiosity? Who is eager to explore the unknown, and who tends to delve deeper into the known? The survey 'How curious are you?' started last year during Science Weekend and everyone can participate until June 2024.
It is striking that older people excel in curiosity for both new knowledge and new experiences. "This research debunks the stereotype that seniors are not interested in gaining new knowledge and experiences. On the contrary, older people show a striking curiosity." During the study it turned out that men report about their daily lives that they want to know more, but that women watched the informative videos they were shown more and for longer. “You are never too old to want to know more and be curious about unknown things that happen," says researcher Maartje Raijmakers.
We consider ourselves very curious
During the study, participants were also asked to estimate their own level of curiosity. The question appeared to be mainly interpreted as a search for knowledge, rather than an urge for new experiences. There is no indication that men or women, older or younger, consider themselves more curious. “We all consider ourselves very curious, but when it comes down to it, there are important differences in our behavior,” Raijmakers adds.
Raijmakers and Sachisthal and colleagues from the University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Radboud University Nijmegen dedicate a full year to investigating the variations in curiosity between people at various stages of life. “Curiosity is an innate quality that is inherent in every human being. It encourages us to explore the world, albeit in different ways,” explains Raijmakers.
The team is still looking for participants for the study. Interested parties can participate directly in the study here.
Weekend of Science
Participants are asked to watch online videos, ranging from fascinating images to interesting information. By looking at people's responses and analyzing answers to targeted questions, the researchers hope to better understand how people differ in curiosity. The research team especially hopes to involve more young men in the research. After the study, participants can compare their curiosity with others of the same age.
The research 'How curious are you?' is part of Weekend of Science, an annual national science event for the whole family where everyone can discover how science and technology work. Every year during this weekend a survey is conducted in which all Dutch people can participate. Science Weekend takes place in the first weekend of October and is organized by NEMO Science Museum, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.