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Epistemological beliefs and thinking about everyday controversial issues
Marlene Schommer-Aikins1, Rosetta Hutter
1College of Education, Wichita State University, KS 67260-0123, USA.
The Journal of Psychology
|May 23, 2002
Summary
Individuals with complex epistemological beliefs better navigate controversial issues. Believing knowledge is complex and tentative enhances critical thinking and decision-making skills for real-world problems.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Understanding how individuals process complex information is crucial.
- Epistemological beliefs influence cognitive processes and decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the link between epistemological beliefs and thinking about controversial issues.
- To explore how beliefs about knowledge and learning affect reasoning on complex societal topics.
Main Methods:
- 174 adults completed the Schommer Epistemological Questionnaire.
- Participants responded to questions about two controversial issues.
- Regression analyses were used to assess relationships.
Main Results:
- Belief in complex, tentative knowledge correlated with adopting multiple perspectives.
- Participants were more willing to modify thinking and withhold judgment.
- Individuals acknowledged the nuanced nature of everyday controversial issues.
Conclusions:
- Epistemological beliefs, particularly those shaped by education, extend critical thinking beyond academic settings.
- Integrating controversial issues into curricula may foster epistemological development.