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An energizing role for motivation in information-seeking during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Psychology

An energizing role for motivation in information-seeking during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Y. Abir, C. B. Marvin, et al.

This research by Yaniv Abir, Caroline B. Marvin, Camilla van Geen, Maya Leshkowitz, Ran R. Hassin, and Daphna Shohamy delves into the intriguing relationship between motivation and information-seeking behaviors, particularly during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how COVID-19 concern not only drove individuals to seek relevant information, but also spurred curiosity across unrelated topics!

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study investigated the role of motivation in information-seeking behavior during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers hypothesized that a latent variable, motivation, explains the disconnect between utility and information-seeking. Using a US-based sample (n=5376) in spring 2020, they measured information-seeking, learning, and COVID-19 concern (a proxy for motivation). Results showed that COVID-19 concern was associated with seeking COVID-19 related content and better memory for this information. Interestingly, high COVID-19 concern also enhanced information-seeking for unrelated content. These effects were linked to changes in utility expectations and were independent of non-specific anxiety. The study concludes that motivation both directs and energizes epistemic behavior, connecting utility and curiosity.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Apr 28, 2022
Authors
Yaniv Abir, Caroline B. Marvin, Camilla van Geen, Maya Leshkowitz, Ran R. Hassin, Daphna Shohamy
Tags
motivation
information-seeking
COVID-19
concern
learning
utility
curiosity
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