HKIER

Abstract

Curiosity is an eminent characteristic observed in young children and has been frequently associated with motivation for knowledge acquisition in psychology. This paper aims to revitalize the rich conceptual meanings of curiosity through an overview of the research. The overview includes: definitions and dimensionalities of curiosity, its causes and instigation, and its forms of expression. Supplementing the current views, the author points to the significance of sustaining children's curiosity and its possible relation to the development of interest. In particular, an interactive perspective of an individual's intrinsic motivation and the external environment by integrating the cognitive, affective and social dimensions of curiosity is proposed. This perspective is examined in the context of the adult significant figures' role in enhancing and sustaining children's curiosity. The author intends to call for a "careful listening" to the child's world.

摘要

好奇是一種在幼童群中突顯的特徵，也在心理學上常與探求獲取知識的動機聯上關係。本文透過文獻概覽來探討好奇的定義和向度、因由與引發，以及表達方式。作者進一步論述延續好奇的重要性及其與興趣發展的關係，並提出一個綜合互動觀：從認知、感性和社群的向度去了解個人的內在動機和外在環境的關係。本文以成人在協助兒童提昇和延續好奇所扮演的角色作例來討論此綜合互動觀。最後，作者呼喚成人細聽兒童的世界。