Curiosity and reward after unsuccessful memory recall

Abstract

Curiosity is a motivational state characterized by the desire to obtain knowledge through information-seeking behaviour. It is thought to depend on metacognitive assessment of the size of pertinent knowledge gaps. Prior research suggests that metacognitive retrieval experiences during unsuccessful memory recall play a role in assessing the size of knowledge gaps that induce states of curiosity. Specifically, it has been reported that feeling-of-knowing (FOK) experiences during unsuccessful recall are associated with an increased probability of subsequent information-seeking behaviour for what could not be recalled. Here, we sought further evidence for the proposed involvement of curiosity in this association by focusing on links between curiosity and reward that are integral to current theoretical models. Our experimental paradigm involved learning of novel face-name associations followed by a test phase to probe name recall and elicit graded ratings of FOK when unsuccessful. Subsequently, participants provided ratings of curiosity for unrecalled names (Experiment 1) or made information-seeking choices and offered ratings of satisfaction upon exposure to sought information (Experiment 2). Results showed, as predicted, that FOK are positively correlated with ratings of curiosity for information that could not be recalled. We also replicated previous findings demonstrating that FOK are positively correlated with the likelihood of subsequent information-seeking behaviour. Critically, the degree of satisfaction reported upon exposure to sought information was positively correlated with previously experienced FOK as well. These findings converge to support the idea that FOK experiences during unsuccessful recall induce states of curiosity and shape subsequent information-seeking behaviour through reward-based mechanisms.