Curiosity
An orientation toward an unknown that motivates approach and inquiry rather than avoidance.
ambivalentmoderate activation
How it shows up
Curiosity shows up as the pull to open a box, follow a footnote, ask one more question, or take an unfamiliar path. It often involves a pleasant sense of an information gap waiting to be closed, mixed with mild tension until it is. It seems to support learning and exploration. Researchers debate whether it is best seen as an emotion, a drive, or a trait; its approach orientation separates it from wariness.
How it differs from Wonder
Curiosity is the pull to find out; wonder is curiosity heightened by something that seems to exceed ordinary explanation.
Notice
Notice what questions you return to without being asked, and what draws you toward them.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the head, chest and face.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.