Initial Validation of an Instrument Measuring Psychology-Specific Epistemological Beliefs
Item
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Title
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Initial Validation of an Instrument Measuring Psychology-Specific Epistemological Beliefs
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Identifier
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fac_pubs/31
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Date
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3/18/2015
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Abstract
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Psychology-specific epistemological beliefs are believed to influence students’ approach to and performance in psychology courses. However, empirical research on this topic is limited due in part to a lack of well-validated instruments measuring this construct. The primary objective of the current research was to develop and validate the Psychology-Specific Epistemological Belief Scale (Psych-SEBS), a short self-report instrument measuring psychology-specific epistemological beliefs. Study 1 addresses the structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity of the Psych-SEBS. Study 2 addresses the criterion-related and incremental validity of the Psych-SEBS. Findings indicated acceptable psychometric properties of this instrument and its 3 subscales: significance of psychology research, subjective nature of psychology knowledge, and predictability of human behavior. Scores on Psych-SEBS scales were significantly associated with construct-relevant outcomes, including student interest and performance in psychology courses, and explained unique variance in these outcomes beyond that explained by existing instruments.
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Publisher
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Sage
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Language
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eng
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Type
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Text
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department or school name within institution
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Psychological Sciences
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Source
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Teaching of Psychology
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volume
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42
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issue
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2
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page start
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126
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page end
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136
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note
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This is the authors' accepted manuscript, after peer review. The version of record, with the publisher's formatting and copyediting, is copyrighted by Sage and can be found at: http://top.sagepub.com/content/42/2/126.abstract
DOI: 10.1177/0098628315569927
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Creator
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Ethan A McMahan
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Maggie D Renken
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Martina Nitkova
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