Three Expressions of the Need for Variety1

Abstract

This study aimed to measure three rationally distinct forms of the need for variety as expressed in thematic apperception, and to obtain the relatic ships among them and between each of them and other variables with which the should or should not be correlated. Sixty‐two male subjects were tested fox all variables. The relationships among the three fantasy measures–novelty of productions, curiosity, and desire for novelty–were consistent with assuming that they represent different forms of the need for variety. In addition, novelty of productions correlated positively with complexity and internal exploration, and negatively with external exploration. Curiosity correlated positively with external exploration and n achievement, and negatively with nonverbal productivity. Evidence for discriminant validity was also obtained.

Components of Curiosity: Berlyne Reconsidered

“…Berlyne maintains that certain of the behaviours just mentioned reflect a boredom drive, while others are the outgrowth of a curiosity drive. The concept of a boredom drive is similar to the 'optimal level of excitation' proposed by Hebb & Thompson (1954) and developed by Leuba (1955), and it is also similar in certain respects to the 'need for variety' postulated by Fiske & Maddi (1961) and by Maddi, Propst & Feldinger (1965). Berlyne assumes a boredom drive to underly exploratory activities for which 'any stimulus that is sufficiently interesting or entertaining ' is reinforcing (Berlyne, 1963).…”

“…The diversity of behaviours included in the literature on curiosity is immediately apparent: alternation behaviour, visual exploration, manipulation, play, and the quest for knowledge. Whether these and related behaviours reflect a common underlying process, and whether this process should be called a motive, are questions that now are beginning to receive attention (Berlyne, 1963a;Fiske & Maddi, 1961;Maddi, Propst & Feldinger, 1965;Rapaport, 1960).…”

On Curiosity and Science Education

“…Maddi and his co-workers believe that the "need for variety55 is broad enough to find different forms of expression in different people [34]. The need for variety is seen to be a general characteristic of personality integrating at least four concrete dimensions of behavior, 810 School Science and Mathematics the tendencies to (a) change one^s responses from moment to moment (spontaneous flexibility), (b) produce novelty (originality of productions), (c) have curiosity, and (d) feel the desire for novelty.…”

“…whether the above terms, or others such as "need to know" [18,35,36], "need for variety" [34], "tendency to obtain new percepts'7 [47], "novelty-seeking behavior" [28], "manipulation drive" [26,27], "attractiveness of uncertainty" [17], or "epistemic behavior" [9], are used, the realm of "curiosity" is being actively investigated today. Like many quasipsychological terms, "curiosity" is rather difficult to define.…”

“…One of MaddFs important instruments for studying curiosity is the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) [34]. He also urges that the study of how people explore their external environment be supplemented by considering how individuals explore their "internal environment.n On the assumption that the person who actively explores or attends to on-going internal states is the one who is most conscious of them and is able to name them, Maddi offers introspection as another study technique.…”