Measuring epistemic beliefs on History and History education at various Dutch school levels in secondary education

Abstract

In this study epistemic beliefs on history and history education at the havo and vwo levels (Dutch school levels) of secondary school students, ages ranging from 14-18 are studied. A survey was developed to measure the epistemic beliefs. The main focus of this study is to test whether this survey allows for reliably testing epistemological beliefs on secondary school students. Cognitive interviews were conducted to validate this survey. Based on previous research, it is expected there is a difference in understanding between the two educational levels. To measure epistemic beliefs accurately it is necessary that these possible differences in understanding are investigated. Results seem to show that however significant, the difference between the educational levels is nigh negligible. Furthermore, the survey appears not to be a very reliable way of measuring epistemic beliefs.