Interest: Knowns, Unknowns, and Basic Processes

Abstract

This chapter examines contemporary theories of interest highlighting some of the issues and questions that require further investigation. A major challenge for contemporary theories and perspectives on interest is the identification of basic processes operating when interest is activated. The dynamics of processes that distinguish situational interest from individual interest, and interest from interests, are examined. In particular, the Four-Phase Model of Interest Development (Hidi and Renninger, Educ Psychol 41(2):111–127, 2006) and Silvia’s (Exploring the psychology of interest. Oxford University Press, New York, 2006) appraisal theory of interest and interests are explored. Developmental implications of these theories are also examined. Particular attention is given to identifying different perspectives on how immediate experiences of interest arising from environmental triggers and/or personal factors can be distinguished. Some answers are starting to emerge from research profiling affective and temporal processes and from research mapping variance in interest due to situation-specific, cross-situational, and individual interest factors. Similar emphasis on process is characteristic of theories that locate interest in the ongoing self-regulatory system that directs behavior. While recent research on interest has built a sound knowledge base, examination of the underlying process dimensions of interest experiences highlights that there are issues and questions as yet unresolved that can readily be investigated using the tools of psychological science.