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South China education majors' epistemological beliefs and their conceptions of the nature of science
Citation
Chai, C. S., Deng, F., Wong, B. K. S., & Qian, Y. (2010). South China education majors' epistemological beliefs and their conceptions of the nature of science. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 19(1), 111-125.
Author
Chai, Ching Sing
•
Deng, Feng
•
Wong, Benjamin
•
Qian, Yangyi
Abstract
In this paper, we survey 445 South China college students on their epistemological beliefs and conceptions of the nature of science. A composite instrument drawn from previous research in similar fields of study among Asians was adapted for this purpose. We compare the undergraduates' views in these two areas. Our results indicate that the undergraduates' views of general epistemology parallel their views on the nature of science. However, these patterns of beliefs are related with the undergraduates' disciplines. Undergraduates from the hard sciences seem to adopt an objectivist stance while undergraduates from the soft sciences tend to be more relativistic.
Date Issued
2010
Publisher
De La Salle University Manila
Journal
The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher