Dr Xiaoyun Chen

ESRC Post Doctoral Fellow

Research Overview

My research aims to understand the mechanisms behind curiosity and information seeking ¡ª the curious feeling (manifestation), why we are so curious, what we are curious about, and its broader consequences.

Using a multi-method approach, I investigate curiosity through four key strands:

Neural and physiological basis of information-seeking: examining how brain activity and physiological responses relate to curiosity-driven behaviours in both children and adults.

Early executive function and curiosity in childhood: exploring how early cognitive abilities shape curiosity and learning in young children.

Curiosity and decision-making in autistic traits: investigating how curiosity influences choices and information-seeking in individuals with high autistic traits.

Curiosity and metacogntion: investigating the relationship between information seeking and metacognitive abilities in both children and adults


01/01/1900 → ¡­
Research


Influence on Policy, Practice, Patients & the Public


Festival/Exhibition/Concert


Participation in conference - Academic


Types of Business and Community - Hosting of external, non-academic visitor


Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition


Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar


Invited talk


Oral presentation


Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar


Other


Invited talk


Fellowship awarded competitively


Prize (including medals and awards)


Prize (including medals and awards)

  • Developmental Psychology