Certainty of Knowledge and Performance of Physics among Secondary School Students in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Physics knowledge fosters critical thinking and scientific literacy for solving problems facing humanity. However, poor grades, limited problem-solving skills, and low enrollment persist despite recommendations to enhance physics performance. Beliefs about how certainty of knowledge relates to success in physics are of paramount interest. Exploring the connection between students’ beliefs in certainty knowledge and physics performance can inform strategies for better physics outcomes. The study explored the relationship between students' beliefs about certainty of knowledge and their physics performance. The study used mixed methods, involving 310 form-two students, 60 physics teachers, and 20 heads of science departments. The study revealed a positive correlation between sophisticated beliefs in the certainty of knowledge and performance in physics. The study recommends fostering sophisticated epistemological beliefs in students regarding the certainty of knowledge to improve their physics performance.