A group technique which approximates the individually based forced-choice method for studying human perceptual curiosity is described. Data from school children illustrate some applications of this technique, which shows reasonably good reliability, evidence of validity, and group and individual difference effects that are discussed with reference to related research.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BarronF.WelchG. S.Artistic perception as a possible factor in personality style: Its measurement by a figure preference test. Journal of Psychology, 1952, 33, 199–203.
2.
BerlyneD. E.The influence of complexity and novelty in visual figures on orienting responses. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1958, 55, 289–296.
3.
BerlyneD. E.Conflict, arousal and curiosity. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1960.
4.
HoatsD. L.MillerM. B.SpitzH. H.Experiments on perceptual curiosity in mental retardates and normals. American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 1963, 68, 386–395.
5.
MawW. R.MawE. W.An exploratory investigation into the measurement of curiosity in elementary school children. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Office of Education, 1964. (Rep. No. CRP-801)
6.
MillerM. B.Curiosity behavior in educable mentally retarded and normal adolescents: Characteristics, modifiability, and consequences of training. Washington, D. C.: U.S. Office of Education, 1970. (Rep. No. 6-1378)
7.
ThomasH.Preferences for random shapes: Ages six through nineteen years. Child Development, 1966, 37, 843–859.