Ermakov, Yurkevich. [Development of cognitive needs of schoolchildren in the learning process]

Abstract:
The article analyzes the theoretical approaches to need for cognition, its dynamics and age-related characteristics in the process of schoolchildren's learning. The article regards the link between the intensity of display of need for cognition in the process of schoolchildren's learning and the level of current and potential intellectual development of theirs. The focus of the review is the place and role of cognitive need in the system of developing education by D. Elkonin and V. Davydov. The data discussed in the article demonstrate the impact of need for cognition (manifesting itself as a pupil's striving for in-depth study) on the development of his/her ability for theoretical thinking. The review also provides the analysis of the structure and the content of the notion "epistemic curiosity" in D. E. Berlyne's theory. The article discusses empirical studies of associations between need for cognition and various personality characteristics.