Conceptual and methodological issues in research on epistemological beliefs

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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.