This exceptional volume analyzes the intricate roles interest plays in cognition, motivation and learning, and daily living, with a special focus on its development and maintenance across life domains. Leading experts discuss a spectrum of interest ranging from curiosity to obsession, and trace its functions in goal-setting, decision-making, self-regulation, and performance. New research refines the current knowledge on student interest in educational settings and the social contexts of interest, with insights into why interest levels change during engagement and in the long run. From these findings, contributors address ways to foster and nurture interest in the therapy room and the classroom, for optimum benefits throughout life. Among the topics covered: * Embedding interest within self-regulation. * Knowledge acquisition at the intersection of situational and individual interest. * The role of interest in motivation and engagement. * The two faces of passion. * Creative geniuses, polymaths, child prodigies, and autistic savants. * The promotion and development of interest. A robust guide to a fascinating area of study, The Science of Interest synthesizes the field's current knowledge of interest and indicates future directions. Its chapters contribute depth and rigor to this growing area of research, and will enhance the work of researchers in education, psychologists, social scientists, and public policymakers.

In understanding human behavior, psychologists have long been interested in what motivates specific actions. Debates have pitted extrinsic motivators (e.g. rewards/punishment) against intrinsic motivation in attempting to determine what best motivates individuals. This book provides a summary view of what research has determined about both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and clarifies what questions remain unanswered. Divided into three sections, section I revisits the debate about the effects of extrinsic incentives or constraints on intrinsic motivation and creativity, and identifies theoretical advances in motivational research. Section II focuses on the hidden costs and benefits of different types of achievement goals on motivation and performance. Section III discusses theory and research findings on how extrinsic and intrinsic motivators may work in everyday life and over time. This book is of interest to researchers in psychology, education, and business, as well as to a wider audience interested in promoting optimal motivation and performance.
Coverage in this book includes:
* Debates and controversies in motivational research
* Developmental nature of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation over time
* Influences of parents, educators, and employers in facilitating motivation
* Effect of achievement goals on learning and performance
* The role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in self-regulation
Key Features
* Brings together major figures in the fields of motivation, education, and social psychology
* Provides a mix of theory, basic and applied research
* Presents research conducted both in laboratories and educational settings
* Comprehensive chapters provide excellent reviews of previous literature as well as outlines important new directions
* Provides different perspectives on controversial debates in a balanced, constructive manner