C104

Curiosity

B14 Instinctive Core
Core LayerMML-1

Version v1.3.2

Definition

An instinctive pull toward the new: exploring, learning, questioning, and opening unknown territory.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Low curiosity: the new does not attract; preference for familiar; few questions.

High Pole

The new strongly attracts; active exploration and questioning.

Reference

Curious in select domains, indifferent elsewhere.

Measure

Rate of self-initiated exploration (learn/try initiatives per period).

Measuring Methods

• Behavioral history: new topics/skills/experiences per period.
• “Known vs. new” choice scenarios.
• Observation: question frequency; reading; experimentation.

Empirical Anchor

Trait curiosity / epistemic curiosity (Berlyne, 1960; Litman, 2008); openness to experience (Costa & McCrae, 1992); curiosity as exploration drive.

Notes

• Distinct from need for cognition (C014): curiosity is interest in new; need for cognition is enjoyment of effort and complexity.
• Risks at MIN: stagnation.
• Risks at MAX: attention scattering; poor completion.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Curiosity (HES Passport C104, v1.3.2). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/C104

BibTeX

@misc{hes_C104, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Curiosity}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport C104, v1.3.2}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/C104}} }