@article{204421,
  author = {Tania Lombrozo and Emily G. Liquin},
  title = {Explanation is effective because it is selective},
  abstract = {<p>Humans are avid explainers: we ask {\textquotedblleft}why?{\textquotedblright} and derive satisfaction from a good answer.\&nbsp;But humans are also selective explainers: only some observations prompt us to ask {\textquotedblleft}why?{\textquotedblright}, and\&nbsp;only some answers are satisfying. This article reviews recent work on selectivity in explanation-seeking curiosity and explanatory satisfaction, with a focus on how this selectivity makes us\&nbsp;effective learners in a complex world. Research finds that curiosity about the answer to a why-question is stronger when it is expected to yield useful learning, and that explanations are judged\&nbsp;more satisfying when they are perceived to support useful learning. While such perceptions are\&nbsp;imperfect, there is nonetheless evidence that seeking and evaluating explanations {\textendash} in the\&nbsp;selective way humans do {\textendash} can play an important role in learning.</p>
},
  year = {2023},
  journal = {Current Directions in Psychological Science},
  volume = {32},
  pages = {212-219},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/09637214231156106},
}