Dr Xiaoyun Chen

ESRC Post Doctoral Fellow

Research Overview

My research aims to understand the mechanisms behind curiosity and information seeking — 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


Prize (including medals and awards)


Fellowship awarded competitively


Prize (including medals and awards)

  • Developmental Psychology