The Relationship between Epistemological Beliefs, Reflective Thinking, and Science Identity: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

Bibliographic Details
Title: The Relationship between Epistemological Beliefs, Reflective Thinking, and Science Identity: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Language: English
Authors: Guo, Xipei, Hao, Xuemin, Deng, Wenbo, Ji, Xin, Xiang, Shuoqi, Hu, Weiping (ORCID 0000-0002-1607-8713)
Source: International Journal of STEM Education. 2022 9.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Reflection, Thinking Skills, Identification (Psychology), Structural Equation Models, Predictor Variables, Beliefs
DOI: 10.1186/s40594-022-00355-x
ISSN: 2196-7822
Abstract: Background: Science identity is widely regarded as a key predictor of students' persistence in STEM fields, while the brain drain in STEM fields is an urgent issue for countries to address. Based on previous studies, it is logical to suggest that epistemological beliefs about science and reflective thinking contribute to the development of science identity. However, few empirical studies have focused on the relationship between these three variables. Therefore, using structural equation modeling, the present study constructed a model to explore the relationship between epistemological beliefs, reflective thinking, three science identity shaping constructs (interest, competence/performance beliefs, external recognition), and the holistic impression on science identity (a single indicator). Results: The results indicated that the epistemological beliefs were positively correlated with interest and reflective thinking, as well as the direct effects of reflective thinking on interest or competence/performance beliefs were significant. In terms of indirect effect, interest plays a mediating role in the relationship between epistemological beliefs and holistic impression on science identity, while the mediation effect of competence/performance beliefs was not significant. Epistemological beliefs contributed to the holistic impression on science identity via reflective thinking, competence/performance beliefs, and interest or external recognition. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that epistemological beliefs and reflective thinking have a direct effect on science identity. In addition, epistemological beliefs have an indirect effect on scientific identity through reflective thinking. These provide insights for educators to figure out how to develop students' science identity by enhancing their epistemological beliefs and reflective thinking. Practical educational implications are also further discussed in the present study.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1339225
Database: ERIC
More Details
ISSN:2196-7822
DOI:10.1186/s40594-022-00355-x
Published in:International Journal of STEM Education
Language:English