NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1120955
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0693
EISSN: N/A
Do Sophisticated Epistemic Beliefs Predict Meaningful Learning? Findings from a Structural Equation Model of Undergraduate Biology Learning
Lee, Silvia Wen-Yu; Liang, Jyh-Chong; Tsai, Chin-Chung
International Journal of Science Education, v38 n15 p2327-2345 2016
This study investigated the relationships among college students' epistemic beliefs in biology (EBB), conceptions of learning biology (COLB), and strategies of learning biology (SLB). EBB includes four dimensions, namely "multiple-source," "uncertainty," "development," and "justification." COLB is further divided into "constructivist" and "reproductive" conceptions, while SLB represents deep strategies and surface learning strategies. Questionnaire responses were gathered from 303 college students. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling showed acceptable model fits. Mediation testing further revealed two paths with complete mediation. In sum, students' epistemic beliefs of "uncertainty" and "justification" in biology were statistically significant in explaining the constructivist and reproductive COLB, respectively; and "uncertainty" was statistically significant in explaining the deep SLB as well. The results of mediation testing further revealed that "uncertainty" predicted surface strategies through the mediation of "reproductive" conceptions; and the relationship between "justification" and deep strategies was mediated by "constructivist" COLB. This study provides evidence for the essential roles some epistemic beliefs play in predicting students' learning.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A