Curiosity Lab
Our Work
In the Curiosity Lab we study curiosity from multiple perspectives.
We first build mathematical models of what is curiosity, how can it be formulated, based on the best psychological and neuroscientific understanding?
Then, we implement these models wherever we can:
Curious Data Scientist
Data Science requires dedicated and complex understanding of data structures, algorithms and procedures, with the ultimate goal of generating insights.
In this project, we are curious about Data. We model the Data Scientist as a curious agent, and develop algorithms to automate the data science pipeline, where each decision the data scientist needs to make is learned by our curious algorithm.
We developed Curious Feature Selection, to automate the feature selection process.
We developed Curious Instance Selection, to automate the data cleaning process.
We are currently expanding this novel curious data scientist framework to other steps in the pipeline.
Assessment of Curiosity
Curiosity is one of the most important human traits, especially in the Information Age. It has been linked to better learning, improved motivation and general wellbeing.
In the workplace, curiosity is a highly sought-after trait, due to the ever-changing nature of industries and technologies.
In the educational system, it is highly correlated with success in elite programs, as well as improved learning capabilities.
However, there are no curiosity assessment tools available.
In the Curiosity Lab we develop such tools, based on the curiosity models we developed.
We measured Physical Curiosity using social robots in adults.
We showed the dynamics of social curiosity with social robots.
We developed several online "games" that measure curiosity.
We are currently evaluating a curiosity-assessment toolbox for children
Promotion of 21st Century skills
21st century skills, especially the 4C super skills: creativity, collaboration, communication and critical-thinking (and curiosity) are of vital importance.
We develop social robots that can help promote these super skills in people.
We developed a curious social robot that promotes curiosity in children.
We developed a robot facilitator that promotes collaboration and communication in groups of adults.
We developed a social robot that teaches infants new languages, while promoting communication with their care-givers.
We are now working on promotion of critical-thinking and collaboration for both adults and children.
