Curiosity and information-seeking behaviour: a review of psychological research and a comparison with the information science literature

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review the psychological literature on curiosity and its relationship to information-seeking behaviour, and compare this with the information science literature on the same subject.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted is that of a comparative literature review, with an analysis of the papers retrieved in terms of their theoretical approach, context, study population and research method.FindingsCuriosity is understood as a multi-faceted cognitive trait in humans and the relationship to information-seeking behaviour is explored through an exploration of other personality characteristics. There is very little citation of the information science literature in the psychological papers, and only a little more citation of the psychological literature in the information science papers.Originality/valueThe author is not aware of any similar exploration of the literature on curiosity.