What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to understand how curiosity is perceived and experienced differently across age groups.

May 22, 2026PLoS ONEOpen Access

Age differences in the conceptualization and experience of curiosity: A qualitative study

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Qualitative study explores how curiosity is defined and experienced by younger and older adults, suggesting variations in understanding.

This study aims to understand how curiosity is perceived and experienced differently across age groups.
Qualitative techniques were employed to gather perceptions of curiosity from younger and older adults.
Approximately 50% of responses were categorized as miscellaneous, suggesting limitations in existing frameworks.
Participants discussed various aspects of curiosity, highlighting age-related differences.
Younger adults associated curiosity with feelings of deprivation and novelty-seeking, emphasizing its potential downsides.
Older adults more frequently described curiosity as a positive trait related to social interactions and sincerity.
Both groups viewed curiosity as joyous exploration, but their descriptions and emphasis varied significantly.

Hirsch et al. (2026) studied this question.

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