Leiden University Student Repository

Noordzij, Armando (2023)

Increasing interest in learning new and complex information: A study on the effect of reappraising complexity as a beneficial construct

Master thesis | Psychology (MSc)

Confusion is often present in the process of learning new information. Research spanning the last 30 years has concluded that confusion and interest towards new complex information are negatively related in the process of gathering new knowledge. Confusion may reduce interest in the process of exploring new information. In an experimental setting, this research investigated whether it is possible to increase interest via a mindset-based reappraisal of the apparent confusion. Participants either did or did not receive a message reappraising that confusion during complexity is normal or even helpful. Participants then read three complex texts and assessed their levels of confusion, perceived complexity, interest, and desire to know more. Results reported support the hypothesis that reappraising confusion as helpful increases interest in complex information

Epistemic emotions

Interest

complex new information

reappraisals

Author

Noordzij, Armando

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Economic & Consumer Psychology

Supervisors

Noordewier, M.
Dijk, E. van

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en