Interest and confusion: contrasting theoretical approaches

Abstract

Epistemic emotions, in particular interest and confusion, are central to the development of knowledge. Past research suggests that interest and confusion depend on specific cognitive appraisals, although different theoretical models coexist. Here we compared the appraisal structure for interest and confusion elicited by metaphorical sentences. We hypothesized that 1) metaphorical sentences would elicit more interest and/or confusion compared to literal sentences and 2) that novelty, complexity and value appraisals would positively predict interest and confusion, while coping potential would positively predict interest, but negatively predict confusion. We further hypothesized that hunger would be related to enhanced emotions. Metaphors did not significantly elicit more interest and confusion than literal sentences. Results however revealed the importance of the appraisals of novelty, value and coping potential for both interest and confusion, while complexity was only related to confusion. Finally, the more participants were hungry, the more they reported intense emotions. Results are discussed in regard to several coexisting appraisal models of epistemic emotions.