Conceptual and methodological issues in research on epistemological beliefs

认识论信念（Epistemological beliefs，EBs）是关于（科学）知识和认知的本质的信念。EB是学习过程和结果的预测因子，也是学习目标的预测因子，因为这些信念根植于对科学和技术的理解中。目前，对EBs的研究正处于一个转折点。一方面，有足够的证据表明，作为一种理论构建，电子商务是富有成效的。另一方面，存在着各种概念和方法上的挑战。因此，我们建议建立一个由来自不同研究领域（教育心理学、发展心理学、科学教育和人格心理学）的研究人员（包括一些欧洲同事）组成的网络。该网络的两个主要目标是：a）建立认识论信念结构的概念澄清;和B）开发和测试工具箱来测量认识论信念。科学网络的参与者应与应邀参加的研究人员一起参加一系列的五个讲习班。每个讲习班都应侧重于上述研究领域之一。

Epistemological beliefs (EBs) are beliefs about the nature of (scientific) knowledge and knowing. EBs are predictors for learning processes and outcomes but also learning goals, because such beliefs are embedded in the understanding of science and technology. Currently, research on EBs is at a turning point. On the one hand, there is enough evidence available underlining the fruitfulness of EBs as a theoretical construct. On the other hand, a variety of conceptual and methodological challenges exist. We do therefore suggest a network of researchers (including some European colleagues) coming from different research strands (Educational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Science Education, and Personality Psychology). The two main aims of the network are: a) to establish conceptual clarification of the construct of epistemological beliefs; and b) to develop and test a toolbox of instruments to measure epistemological beliefs. The participants of the scientific network should meet in a series of five workshops together with invited researchers. Each of these workshops should focus on one of the research strands mentioned above.