Understanding Epistemological Development in First- and Second-Year Chemistry Students

Epistemological beliefsa learner’s perspective about knowledge and the nature of learninghave been found to play a vital role in learning. Much research has been conducted, both in general and in specific fields, to explore epistemological development in college-aged students; however, little of that research has been done specifically in chemistry. Prior research has documented how chemistry-specific epistemological beliefs change as students progress through their study of chemistry. The current research, which uses a qualitative, longitudinal approach, expands upon this work and explores factors, both curricular and extracurricular, that influence the development of students’ epistemological beliefs about learning chemistry. This manuscript specifically focuses on development during students’ study of chemistry during their first and second years.