Skip to main content
Log in

An educational–psychological conceptualisation of interest

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In educational psychology, the concept of interest is interpreted as a content-specific motivational variable that can be investigated and theoretically reconstructed. An important analysis lies in the manifold interrelations between interest, learning and human development. This paper presents a “person–object theory of interest” and outlines developmental aspects such as: (a) the ontogenetic transition from situational to individual interest, (b) the relation between interest development and (c) the growing “self” and the assumption of a dual regulation system.

Résumé

Une conceptualisation psycho-éducationnelle de l’intérêt. En psychologie de l’éducation, le concept d’intérêt est interprété comme une variable motivationnelle à contenu spécifique qui peut être étudiée et théoriquement reconstruite. Une analyse importante réside dans les diverses interrelations entre l’intérêt, l’apprentissage et le développement humain. Cet article présente une “théorie de l’intérêt personne-objet” et expose les grandes lignes de divers aspects développementaux tels que (a) la transition ontogénétique de l’intérêt situationnel à l’intérêt individuel ainsi que (b) la relation entre le développement d’un intérêt et (c) la croissance du “self” et l’hypothèèse d’un système de régulation dual.

Zusammenfassung

Eine erziehungspsychologische Konzeptualisierung des Interesse-Begriffs. In der Pädagogischen Psychologie wird das Interessenkonzept als eine inhaltsspezifische motivationale Variable interpretiert, die erforscht und theoretisch rekonstruiert werden kann. Eine wichtiges Untersuchungsziel richtet sich auf die vielfältigen Zusammenhängen zwischen Interesse, Lernen und persönlicher Entwicklung. Dieser Artikel stellt eine “Person-Objekt-Theorie des Interesses“ vor und beschreibt entwicklungsbezogene Aspekte wie (a) den ontogenetischen Übergang von einem situationalen zu einem individuellen Interesse, (b) den Zusammenhang zwischen der Entwicklung von Interessen und (c) dem wachsenden Selbst und der Vermutung eines dualen Regulationssystems.

Resumen

Una conceptualización psicopedagógica del interés. En Psicología de la Educación, el concepto de interés se interpreta como una variable de motivación centrada en el contenido que puede ser investigada y reconstruida desde la teoría. Un análisis importante radica en las interrelaciones diversas entre interés, aprendizaje y desarrollo humano. Este artículo presenta una “teoría del interés persona-objeto” y delimita aspectos evolutivos tales como: (a) la transición ontogenética del interés situacional hacia el individual, (b) la relación entre desarrollo de intereses y (c) el aumento del “yo” y la asunción de un sistema dual de regulación.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beck, K. (Ed.). (2002). Teaching–learning processes in vocational education. Frankfurt, New York: Lang.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berlyne, D. E. (1974). Novelty, complexity, and interestingness. In D. E. Berlyne (Ed.), Studies in new experimental aesthetics (pp. 175–180). Washington: Hemisphere.

  • Boekaerts, M. (1999). Motivated learning: Studying student-situation transactional units. European Journal of Psychology in Education, 14, 41–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boekaerts, M. (2003). Towards a model that integrates motivation, affect and learning. British Journal of Educational Psychology (Monograph Series II, Part 2), 173–189.

  • Boekaerts, M., Pintrich, P., & Zeidner, M. (2000). Handbook of self-regulation. London: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boekaerts, M., & Boscolo, P. (Eds.). (2006). Interest in learning, learning to be interested [Topic issue]. Learning and Instruction, 12, 375–491.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunstein, J. C., Maier, G. W., & Schultheiss, O. C. (1999). Motivation und Persönlichkeit: Von der Analyse von Teilsystemen zur Analyse von Interaktion [Motivation and personality: From the analysis of subsystemes to the analysis of interaction]. In M. Jerusalem, & R. Pekrun (Eds.), Emotion , motivation und Leistung (pp. 147–167). Göttingen: Hogrefe.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaicen, S., & Trope, Y. (Eds.). (1999). Dual-process theories in social psychology. New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow. New York: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Csikszentmihalyi, M., & Csikszentmihalyi, I. S. (1988). Optimal experience. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L. (1992). The relation of interest to the motivation of behavior: A self-determination theory perspective. In K. A. Renninger, S. Hidi, & A. Krapp (Eds.), The role of interest in learning and development (pp. 43–47). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L. (1998). The relation of interest to motivation and human needs—the self-determination theory viewpoint. In L. Hoffmann, A. Krapp, K. A. Renninger, & J. Baumert (Eds.), Interest and learning (pp. 146–162). Proceedings of the Seeon-Conference on interest and gender. Kiel: IPN.

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. New York: Plenum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1991). A motivational approach to self: Integration in personality. In R. Dienstbier (Ed.), Nebraska Symposium on motivation: Vol. 38: Perspectives on motivation (pp. 237–288). Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2002). Handbook of self-determination research. Rochester: University of Rochester Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dewey, J. (1913). Interest and effort in education. Boston: Riverside Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Epstein, S. (1990). Cognitive-experiential self theory: Implications for developmental psychology. In M. Gunnar & L. A. Sroufe (Eds.), Minnesota Symposia on child psychology: Self processes and development (Vol. 23, pp. 79–123). Hilsdale, NJ: Erlbaum

  • Fend, H. (1994). Die Entdeckung des Selbst und die Verarbeitung der Pubertät [Discovery of the self and coping with the problems of puberty]. Bern: Huber.

  • Hannover, B. (1997). Das dynamische Selbst [The dynamic self]. Bern: Huber.

  • Hannover, B. (1998). The development of self-concept and interests. In L. Hoffmann, A. Krapp, K. A. Renninger, & J. Baumert (Eds.), Interest and learning (pp. 105–125). Proceedings of the Seeon-Conference on interest and gender. Kiel: IPN.

  • Heckhausen, H. (1991). Motivation and action. Berlin: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heckhausen, J. (ed) (2000). Motivational psychology of human development. London: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hidi, S. (1990). Interest and its contribution as a mental resource for learning. Review of Educational Research, 60, 549–571.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hidi, S. (2001). Interest, reading, and learning: Theoretical and practical considerations. Educational Psychology Review 13(3), 191–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hidi, S. (2006). Interest: A unique motivational variable. Educational Research Review, 1, 69–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hidi, S., & Renninger, A. (2006). The four-phase model of interest development. Educational Psychologist, 41, 111–127.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann L., Krapp A., Renninger A., & Baumert J. (Eds.). (1998). Interest and learning. Proceedings of the Seeon-conference on interest and gender. Kiel: IPN.

  • Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments (3rd ed.). Odessa, Fl: Psychological Assessment Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapp, A. (1998). Entwicklung und Förderung von Interessen im Unterricht [Development and promotion of interest in instruction]. Psychologie in Erziehung und Unterricht, 45, 186–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapp, A. (2000). Interest and human development during adolescence: An educational–psychological approach. In J. Heckhausen (Ed.), Motivational psychology of human development (pp. 109–128). London: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapp, A. (2002a). An educational–psychological theory of interest and its relation to self-determination theory. In E. Deci, & R. Ryan (Eds.), Handbook of self-determination research (pp. 405–427). Rochester: University of Rochester Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapp, A. (2002b). Structural and dynamic aspects of interest development: Theoretical considerations from an ontogenetic perspective. Learning and Instruction, 12, 383–409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krapp, A. (2003). Interest and human development—An educational–psychological perspective. British Journal of Educational Psychology (Monograph Series II, Part 2), 57–84.

  • Krapp, A. (2005). Basic needs and the development of interest and intrinsic motivational orientations. Learning and Instruction, 15(5), 381–395.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krapp, A., Hidi, S., & Renninger, K. A. (1992). Interest, learning and development. In K. A. Renninger, S. Hidi, & A. Krapp (Eds.), The role of interest in learning and development (pp. 3–25). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapp, A., & Lewalter, D. (2001). Development of interests and interest-based motivational orientations. A longitudinal study in school and work settings. In S. Volet, & S. Järvelä (Eds.), Motivation in learning contexts: Theoretical advances and methodological implications (pp. 209–232). London: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuhl, J. (2000). A functional-design approach to motivation and self-regulation. The dynamics of personality systems interactions. In M. Boekaerts, P. R. Pintrich, & M. Zeidner (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation: Theory, research and applications (pp. 111–169). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuhl, J. (2001). A functional approach to motivation. In A. Efklides, J. Kuhl, & R. M. Sorrentino (Eds.), Trends and prospects in motivation research. London: Kluwer.

    Google Scholar 

  • LeDoux, J. E. (1995). Emotion: Clues from the brain. Annual Review of Psychology, 46, 209–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewin K. (1936). A dynamic theory of personality. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • McClelland, D. C., Koestner, R., & Weinberger, J. (1989). How do self-attributed and implicit motives differ? Psychological Review, 96, 690–702.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, M. (1993). Situational interest: Its multifaceted structure in the secondary school mathematics classroom. Journal of Educational Psychology, 85(3), 424–436.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, P. K., & Alexander, P. (2000). A motivated exploration of motivation terminology. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25, 3–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nuttin, J. (1984). Motivation, planning, and action. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piaget, J. (1985). Equilibration of cognitive structures. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prenzel, M. (1988). Die Wirkungsweise von Interesse [Mode of action of interest]. Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag.

  • Prenzel, M. (1992). Selective persistence of interest. In K. A. Renninger, S. Hidi, & A. Krapp (Eds.), The role of interest in learning and development (pp. 71–98). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prenzel, M. (1998). Interest research concerning the upper secondary level, college, and vocational education: An overview. In L. Hoffmann, A. Krapp, K. A. Renninger, & J. Baumert (Eds.), Interest and learning (pp. 355–366). Proceedings of the Seeon-Conference on interest and gender. Kiel: IPN.

  • Rathunde, K. (1993). The experience of interest: A theoretical and empirical look at its role in adolescent talent development. In M. Maehr, & P. R. Pintrich (Eds.), Advances in motivation and achievement (pp. 59–98). London: Jai Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rathunde, K., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1993). Undivided interest and the growth of talent: A longitudinal study of adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 22, 1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Renninger K. A. (2000). Individual interest and development: Implications for theory and practice. In C. Sansone & J. M. Harackiewicz (Eds.), Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The search for optimal motivation and performance (pp. 375–404). New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Renninger, K. A. (1992). Individual interest and development: Implications for theory and practice. In K. A. Renninger, S. Hidi, & A. Krapp (Eds.), The role of interest in learning and development (pp. 361–395). Hillsdale NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Renninger, K. A., Hidi, S., & Krapp, A. (Eds.). (1992). The role of interest in learning and development. Hillsdale NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M. (1993). Agency and organization: Intrinsic motivation, autonomy and the self in psychological development. In J. Jacobs (Ed.), Nebraska symposium on motivation: Vol. 40. Developmental perspectives on motivation (pp. 1–56). Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, R. M. (1995). Psychological needs and the facilitation of integrative process. Journal of Personality, 63(3), 397–427.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sansone, C., & Harackiewicz, J. M. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The search for optimal motivation and performance. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savickas, M. L., & Spokane, A. R. (Eds.). (1999). Vocational interests: Meaning, measurement, and counselling use. Palo Alto, CA: Davies-Black.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiefele, H. (1978). Lernmotivation und Motivlernen [Learning motivation and learning of motives]. München: Ehrenwirth.

  • Schiefele, H., Krapp, A., Prenzel, M., Heiland, A., & Kasten, H. (1983). Principles of an educational theory of interest. Paper presented at the 7th Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development, Munich, Germany.

  • Schiefele, U. (1991). Interest, learning and motivation. Educational Psychologist, 26, 299–323.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schiefele, U. (1996). Motivation und Lernen mit Texten [Motivation and text learning]. Göttingen: Hogrefe.

  • Schiefele, U. (1998). Individual interest and learning—what we know and what we don’t know. In L. Hoffmann, A. Krapp, K. A. Renninger, & J. Baumert (Eds.), Interest and learning (pp. 91–104). Proceedings of the Seeon-Conference on interest and gender. Kiel, Germany: Institut für die Pädagogik der Naturwissenschaften.

  • Schiefele, U. (1999). Interest and learning from text. Scientific Studies of Reading, 3(3), 257–279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schiefele, U. (2001). The role of interest in motivation and learning. In J. M. Collis, & S. Messick (Eds.), Intelligence and personality (pp. 163–194). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiefele, U., Krapp, A., & Winteler, A. (1992). Interest as a predictor of academic achievement: A meta-analysis of research. In K. A. Renninger, S. Hidi, & A. Krapp (Eds.), The role of interest in learning and development (pp. 183–212). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J. (1998). Not all personal goals are personal: Comparing autonomous and controlled reasons for goals as predictors of effort and attainment. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 24, 546–557.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spangler, G., & Zimmermann, P. (1999). Emotion, Motivation und Leistung aus entwicklungs und persönlichkeitspsychologischer Perspektive [Emotion, motivation and achievement from the perspective of developmental and personality psychology]. In M. Rusalem, & R. Pekrun (Eds.), Emotion, motivation und Leistung (pp. 85–103). Göttingen: Hogrefe.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun, R. (2002). Duality of the mind. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andreas Krapp.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Krapp, A. An educational–psychological conceptualisation of interest. Int J Educ Vocat Guidance 7, 5–21 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-007-9113-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-007-9113-9

Keywords

Navigation