Investigating the Relationships Between University Students’ Epistemological Beliefs and Learning Approaches: A Path Analysis Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between epistemological beliefs and learning approaches of university students. The mediator effect of gender was also tested. A theoretical model was created, and considering the literature personality types’ effects on learning approaches were kept under control. A total of 244 university students studying in 26 different departments of a university in Turkey participated in the study. Data collection tools were Epistemological Beliefs Scale (attaining knowledge, nurture vs. nature, absolute and single reality, and epistemic confliction), Learning Approaches Scale (deep approach and surface approach), and Personality Types Scale (type A and type B personality). It was hypothesized that sophisticated epistemological beliefs positively predict deep approach and naive epistemological beliefs positively predict surface approach. In addition, it is predicted that the model will differ for males and females. Path analysis method was used to test the models. Results showed that in attaining knowledge and epistemic confliction dimensions sophisticated epistemological beliefs positively predict deep approach. In absolute and single reality, nurture versus nature, and epistemic confliction dimensions naive epistemological beliefs positively predict surface approach. The moderator effect of gender was not significant in the overall model. The results of the research indicate that epistemological beliefs and learning approaches are interrelated structures.