"Interest is an emotion associated with curiosity, exploration, and knowledge-seeking (Fredrickson, 1998; Izard, 1977; Silvia, 2005a, 2005b, 2006; Tomkins, 1962). The first researchers to propose an appraisal structure of interest were Smith and Ellsworth (1985). An alternative appraisal structure of interest was proposed by Silvia (2005a, 2005b). Experiment 1 tested these competing models. Participants viewed copies of calming and disturbing classical and contemporary paintings, rated each picture for appraisals, and reported their experienced interest, pleasantness/enjoyment, and disturbingness. Experiment 2 aimed to replicate the appraisal structures for the emotion of interest and measured viewing time. Results showed (1) interest and pleasantness were unrelated; (2) novelty-complexity positively predicted interest; (3) disturbing pictures were highly interesting; (4) and viewing time positively predicted interest."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.
