Epistemological beliefs: differences among educators
Abstract
Epistemological beliefs are personal beliefs about learning and knowledge.
Epistemological beliefs have been found to have important implications for learning, for
example epistemological beliefs have been found to predict academic achievement
(Schommer, Calvert, Gargliette, & Bajaj, 1997), and may predict teaching practices
(White 2001). This study examined the epistemological beliefs of 83 (M= 16, F = 67)
practicing teachers, 62 of whom were enrolled in a graduate teacher education program.
This study utilized the Epistemic Beliefs Inventory (EBI) (Schraw, Bendixen, & Dunkle,
2002) and the four-quadrant method (Schraw & Olafson, 2008) to measure participants'
epistemological beliefs. Differences were found among educators based on education
level, education program, gender, age, licensure type, and order in which participants
received the instruments. The four-quadrant method was found to have small correlations
with the EBI. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.) -- Wichita State University, College of Education, Dept. of Counseling, Educational, and School Psychology