I think if the answer is literally “nothing” then that is bad, but “nothing” to many people could mean “nothing, I’m just curious” and then you can expand that to “I think this is an interesting question and I enjoy thinking about it on an intellectual level,” which is not in fact nothing; what you’re doing is satisfying your intellectual curiosity. (This might apply to a random math or physics question you ask yourself, for example.)
My initial reaction to your question was ‘what about curiosity-driven research?‘, it seems like this was true of other people too. I would suggest editing to make clear that ‘curiosity’ is an acceptable response.
I think if the answer is literally “nothing” then that is bad, but “nothing” to many people could mean “nothing, I’m just curious” and then you can expand that to “I think this is an interesting question and I enjoy thinking about it on an intellectual level,” which is not in fact nothing; what you’re doing is satisfying your intellectual curiosity. (This might apply to a random math or physics question you ask yourself, for example.)
My initial reaction to your question was ‘what about curiosity-driven research?‘, it seems like this was true of other people too. I would suggest editing to make clear that ‘curiosity’ is an acceptable response.
Done.
My problem is that “curiosity” is not a discriminating feature for me at all. I am automatically extremely curious about any research question.