Breadth-depth or state-trait curiosity? a factor analysis of state-trait curiosity and state anxiety scales

Abstract

Research into state-trait curiosity and anxiety has resulted in a simplication of the constructs involved, particularly in the curiosity domain. This field of research previously has been dominated by a wide variety of interpretations such as specific vs diversive curiosity, perceptual vs epistemic curiosity, and breadth vs depth curiosity. It has been shown however, that these particular interpretations of the curiosity construct can be encompassed more satisfactorily within a global state-trait model, thereby avoiding much of the confusion which has plagued curiosity research to-date. In order to provide support for the state-trait curiosity model, the present paper examines the factor analytic relationships between measures of state curiosity (C-State), trait curiosity (C-Trait), and state anxiety (A-State) in terms of both subscale and item intercorrelations respectively. Findings are discussed and recommendations for future research into curiosity are proposed.