Curiosity is one of the most significant features of human beings. It motivates individuals and directs their actions. That is why philosophers and educators have addressed the subject of curiosity. In the literature, the definitions related to curiosity are similar. The term curiosity evokes the terms novelty, uncertainty, and complexity as well as interest, desire to seek new experiences, and exploration. This study aims to review the theories and related concepts of curiosity and summarize the curiosity literature. For this purpose, drive theory and the cognitive approach are summarized and evaluated. Next, measurement tools developed to measure curiosity are introduced. Although the theories that attempt to explain curiosity remain unsatisfactory, the scales that have been developed demonstrate that the subject of curiosity will continue to be scrutinized.
Cite this article as: Bacanlı, H., Türk Kurtça, T. (2020). Curiosity from the Perspective of Educational Psychology: A General Review. HAYEF: Journal of Education, 17(1); 103-120.