Do epistemological beliefs and ways of knowing predict reactions to a child with Asperger syndrome?

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between epistemological beliefs, ways of knowing, parenting styles, and how one reacts to a child with Asperger Syndrome acting out in public. The purpose was to determine if epistemological beliefs, ways of knowing, and/or parenting style predict how an individual would respond in such a situation. Two hundred and nine college students participated in the study. Participants completed questionnaires to determine their epistemological beliefs, connected or separate knowing, and parenting style. They then responded to a scenario involving a child with Asperger Syndrome. People who gave appropriate advice had higher scores in connected knowing than people who gave inappropriate advice, suggesting that higher levels of connected knowing lead to more appropriate reactions to such situations.