Exploring the Psychology of Interest (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780195158557)

Psychologists have always been interested in interest, and so modern research on interest can be found in nearly every area of the field: Researchers studying emotions, cognition, development, education, aesthetics, personality, motivation, and vocations have developed intriguing ideas about what interest is and how it works. Exploring the Psychology of Interest presents an integrated picture of how interest has been studied in all the wide-ranging areas of psychology. Using modern theories of cognition and emotion as an integrative framework, Paul Silvia examines the nature of interest, what makes things interesting, the role of interest in personality, and the development of peoples idiosyncratic interests, hobbies, and avocations. His examination reveals deep similarities between seemingly different fields of psychology and illustrates the profound importance of interest, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation for understanding why people do what they do. The most comprehensive work of its kind, Exploring the Psychology of Interest will be a valuable resource for student and professional researchers in cognitive, social, and developmental psychology.

Author: Paul J. Silvia
ISBN-10: 0195158555
ISBN-13: 9780195158557
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
Published: 04/13/2006
Pages: 276
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.34lbs
Size: 9.56h x 6.42w x 0.88d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2006 pg. 15
Choice 11/01/2006 pg. 566