Dimensions, Measures, and Contexts in Psychological Investigations of Curiosity: A Scoping Review

Development and Validation of the Curiosity of Climate Changes Scale

Introduction

As it is stated by researchers from multiple scientific fields, climate change has real consequences both for the natural environment but also for the human beings, but not everyone is interested in fighting the global warming and its implications. Yet, there are people who are curious about climate change and became invested in the cause of fighting it. Taking this into account, the aim of this study was to create a questionnaire that would enable to measure curiosity about climate change and as such be an useful tool in research regarding this matter.

Methods

After examination of existing literature and the evaluation of competent judges, we created a questionnaire which structure and reliability was determined in conducted studies. We also investigated possible correlations between introduced in this paper the Curiosity of Climate Changes Scale (CCCS) and other diagnostic tools: The Curiosity and Exploration Inventory II, The Need for Cognitive Closure Scale, The Elements of Nature Curiosity Scale, The Climate Anxiety Scale, The Environmental Identity Scale and The Generational Time Perspective Scale.

Results

The results of the factor analyses verified a one-factor structure. The CCCS showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95). The validity of the CCCS was indicated by correlations with different scales. The CCCS correlates with general curiosity, curiosity of elements of nature, need for cognitive closure, environmental identity, climate anxiety and generational time perspective.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the Curiosity of Climate Changes Scale is a valid and reliable tool. The Curiosity of Climate Changes Scale can be used in future research but also has its practical use - for teachers and environmental educators who thanks to the CCCS can obtain information regarding one's interest in climate change, which can be used in educational programs.

In Defense of Moderate Romantic Curiosity and Information Avoidance: A Conceptual Outlook of Balanced Curiosity

Curiosity, which is the human motive to seek information, is extremely valuable, since it enables people to widen their horizons and develop their capacities. However, there are many cases in which curiosity is harmful and not learning more information is preferable. In the romantic realm, this complexity is particularly relevant. Although knowledge is valuable in romantic relationships, there are circumstances in which ignorance and avoidance of information may be more beneficial. I suggest the restriction of central virtues of romantic love, such as curiosity and sensitivity, while giving some limited weight to oft-called vices in romantic relationships, such as ignorance and indifference. This suggestion has significant implications for the nature of romantic relationships, and in particular, for enhancing flexibility and diversity of such relationships, and the ongoing need to find an optimal balance.