Toward a causal model of curiosity and creativity

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Creativity Research
• Information Science

Background:

• Previous research suggests an association between curiosity and creativity.
• A gap exists in understanding the sequential and causal relationship between these constructs.
• The motivation to seek information and the capacity to act on it require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a sequential causal model linking curiosity, information seeking, and creativity.
• To delineate the distinct roles of curiosity (motivation) and creativity (capacity) in information acquisition.
• To establish that both curiosity and creativity are necessary conditions for information-seeking behavior.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling based on existing empirical findings.
• Hypothesizing a sequential mediation process.
• Defining curiosity as a driver of information motivation and creativity as an enabler of action.

Main Results:

• A sequential causal model is proposed where curiosity influences information-seeking motivation.
• Creativity is posited as the capacity to act upon this motivation.
• The model suggests that high levels of both curiosity and creativity are prerequisites for information-seeking.

Conclusions:

• Curiosity and creativity are not merely associated but sequentially causal in information seeking.
• Understanding this sequential relationship enhances models of human motivation and cognitive performance.
• This framework provides a novel perspective on the interplay between intrinsic drives and cognitive capacities.