Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Curiosity
Note: This topic was mentioned during the call but not discussed in depth.
Judith Benham introduced this framework for understanding curiosity's sources.
Judith's Framework
"Curiosity, per se, is complex. Intrinsic vs extrinsic…situation, knowledge, experiences,. Perhaps worth addl in depth discussion."
Intrinsic Curiosity
Arising from internal drives:
- Inherent interest in a topic
- Love of learning for its own sake
- Personal passion or fascination
- Internal motivation to understand
Examples:
- Pete Kaminski exploring AI with "crazy stuff" because he was curious
- Children asking endless "why" questions
- Gil Friend being an "etymology geek"
Extrinsic Curiosity
Sparked by external factors:
- Specific situations demanding inquiry
- Environmental stimuli
- Social contexts
- Practical problems needing solutions
- Others' questions or interests
Examples:
- Gil Friend's engineer needing to gather information for work
- Pete Kaminski learning social curiosity to navigate social situations
- Students pursuing topics required by curriculum
The Interaction
Judith's formulation suggests curiosity arises from interaction of:
- Intrinsic drives
- Extrinsic situations
- Existing knowledge
- Past experiences
Not either/or but a complex mix.
Implications
For Education
Education and Curiosity needs to:
- Tap intrinsic motivation where it exists
- Create extrinsic conditions that spark curiosity
- Help students discover intrinsic interests
- Avoid killing intrinsic curiosity with poor extrinsic motivators (grades, tests)
For Social Practice
Curiosity as Social Practice can:
- Start extrinsically (social norms)
- Develop into intrinsic interest
- Pete Kaminski: "I really do care where you grew up"
- Practice becomes genuine
For Individual Differences
Big Five Personality Traits suggests:
- Some people are intrinsically higher in curiosity (Openness)
- But even they need supportive extrinsic conditions
- Both intrinsic and extrinsic matter
Judith's Call for Deeper Discussion
"Perhaps worth addl in depth discussion."
Open questions:
- How do intrinsic and extrinsic curiosity interact?
- Can extrinsic spark intrinsic, or does it crowd it out?
- How do we cultivate intrinsic curiosity?
- What extrinsic conditions best support curiosity?
Related Themes
- What Is Curiosity
- Education and Curiosity
- Curiosity as Social Practice
- Big Five Personality Traits
- Innate vs Learned Curiosity