Can Curiosity Boost Memory and Learning?
Can Curiosity Boost Memory and Learning? A study found the greater interest a person has in a topic, the better that person can remember even unrelated information.
Ever wonder why you remember some bits of information and forget others? According to the University of California, Davis, researchers, it might have something to do with curiosity. In a study published in the journal, Neuron, the researchers found that those who were particularly curious about a subject remembered even unrelated information, both in a short-term period and even after 24 hours.
Participants were given a series of trivia questions followed by an image and were asked to rate their level of curiosity in answering them. The more curious they were, the better they remembered details about the images. Some headlines made sure to mention some variations of the obvious expression, curiosity killed the cat, but at least it boosts learning and memory, right?
In a press release, the researchers explained, it all had to do with curiosity interacting with the brain’s record system, adding, “Curiosity may put the brain in a state that allows it to learn and retain any kind of information, like a vortex that sucks in what you’re motivated to learn, and also everything around it.”
So the key to remembering that bit of information, say, when studying for a exam, is to actually be interested in it, but it might not always work out as intended. As a neuroscientist unrelated to this study tells Scientific American, “Curiosity can actually be a negative experience. Being uncertain about the identity of the murderer may be a pleasant, reward-anticipating feeling when you know this will be revealed. But this will turn into frustration if the last chapter is missing.”
Researchers say the findings could be beneficial in boosting learning in classroom settings, with students potentially being more motivated to learn if dull material could be enhanced to pique their interest.
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