Publication Date

3-18-2015

Abstract

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.

Publisher

Sage

Type (DCMI Terms)

Text

Type

Article

Department

Psychological Sciences

Journal

Teaching of Psychology

Volume Number

42

Issue Number

2

First Page Number

126

Last Page Number

136

DOI

10.1177/0098628315569927

Comments

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

Download

PDF_A Initial Validation of an Instrument Measuring Psychology-Specific.pdf (484 kB)
PDF/A Version

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS