Rationale
Motivation
Curiosity is one of the most fundamental drivers of human cognition, playing a vital role in our
ability to learn, focus, and solve problems. Inspired by Celeste Kidd and Benjamin Hayden’s
(2015) insights into the psychology and neuroscience of curiosity, we chose to center our project
around this concept. The dynamic nature of curiosity ensures an engaging and thought-provoking
experience, making it the perfect foundation for a cognitive psychology-based activity. By
leveraging curiosity as the core of our design, we aim to create a hands-on learning experience
that mirrors real-world problem-solving scenarios.
We specifically chose a crime scene investigation theme because it seamlessly integrates
multiple cognitive processes, including critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Crime-solving scenarios inherently demand attention to detail, logical reasoning, and creative
thinking—all of which are closely tied to cognitive psychology. This design allows participants
to actively apply theoretical concepts in a structured yet exciting way, bridging the gap between
academic understanding and practical application.
Furthermore, the crime scene theme taps into the natural human fascination with mystery and
discovery, which aligns perfectly with curiosity-driven learning. By creating a tangible,
interactive experience, we provide a unique opportunity to explore the cognitive processes
involved in decision-making under uncertainty. This approach motivates participants to think
deeply and stay engaged, ensuring a meaningful and memorable learning experience.
Significance
This kit contributes to the understanding and application of cognitive psychology by
demonstrating how key theories can be applied in practical, real-world contexts. Problem-solving
and decision-making, two central components of cognitive psychology, are essential skills in
both academic and professional environments. By simulating a crime scene, this kit transforms
abstract concepts into actionable tasks, helping participants understand the psychological
mechanisms behind their decision-making processes.
Moreover, curiosity as a driver of exploration and learning is critical for intelligent behavior.
According to Gottlieb et al. (2013), curiosity-driven behaviors involve mechanisms that range
from automatic biases toward novelty or surprise to systematic searches for information gain.
These mechanisms enable humans to engage in exploratory actions that are often independent of
immediate rewards, as learning itself can be inherently reinforcing. By incorporating elements of
novelty, surprise, and information-seeking into the kit, participants can experience how curiosity
shapes their attention and decision-making strategies, providing an immersive way to grasp these
theoretical concepts.
Additionally, the kit serves as a platform to illustrate complex psychological phenomena, such as
the influence of cognitive biases, heuristic strategies, and uncertainty on decision-making. By
incorporating these elements into the activity, participants can explore how psychological
theories apply to high-stakes situations. This hands-on approach not only enhances theoretical
knowledge but also fosters a deeper appreciation of cognitive psychology’s relevance to
everyday life.
Usability
This kit is designed to benefit psychology students, educators, and even professionals in fields
that require critical thinking and decision-making. For psychology students, it provides an
interactive method for applying classroom knowledge to real-world problems, enhancing both
understanding and retention. Educators can use this kit as a teaching tool to make abstract
cognitive psychology concepts more accessible and engaging for their students.
Professionals, particularly those in fields like law enforcement, counseling, or organizational
leadership, can also benefit from the kit. It offers a safe, controlled environment to practice
decision-making strategies and understand the cognitive processes that underlie their actions.
This practical application makes the kit a versatile tool for skill-building and professional
development.
To use the kit effectively, participants should be guided through the activity with clear
instructions and reflective discussions. Facilitators can provide context on the cognitive
principles at play, helping participants draw connections between their actions and psychological
theories. By integrating the activity into broader learning objectives, the kit can serve as a
powerful educational resource that enhances understanding, encourages collaboration, and
fosters curiosity.
MANUAL
Game Manual: The Poisoned Chalice
Objective: Uncover the truth behind Gregory Holt's mysterious death and identify the culprit.
Gameplay:
Character Selection: You take on the role of Detective Maria.
Investigation: At each page you will be presented with a series of choices, their potential
consequences, and their backgrounds.
Interrogation: Choosing what you suspect is your main goal, Open the envelopes to gather clues
and evidence.
Evidence Gathering: Search the crime scene and analyze findings to uncover the truth.
Deduction: Use your detective skills to piece together the clues and identify the killer.
Key Decisions: Who to Interrogate First: Your initial choice will significantly impact the
direction of the investigation.
Accusation: Once you believe you have enough evidence, accuse the suspect you think is
responsible.
Game Over:
Correct Accusation: You successfully solve the case and bring the culprit to justice.
Incorrect Accusation: Your investigation fails, and the real killer remains at large.
Tips:
Pay Attention to Details: Every clue, no matter how small, could be crucial.
Trust Your Instincts: While evidence is important, sometimes your intuition can lead you to the
truth.
Consider Multiple Perspectives: Don't be too quick to judge a suspect.
Beware of Bias: At the back of all the envelopes you can open, you will find a paper that will
give you an idea what biases you might have when choosing that suspect. Be aware of cognitive
biases that can cloud your judgment.
Remember: The choices you make will determine the outcome of the investigation. Good luck,
Detective!
References
Gottlieb, J., Oudeyer, P., Lopes, M., & Baranes, A. (2013). Information-seeking, curiosity, and
attention: computational and neural mechanisms. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(11),
585–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2013.09.001
Kidd, C., & Hayden, B. Y. (2015). The psychology and neuroscience of curiosity. Neuron, 88(3),
449–460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2015.09.010
