University cultures and epistemic beliefs: Examining differences between two academic environments

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how epistemic beliefs might differ between students sampled from culturally different academic institutions from two culturally similar countries. Undergraduate students were sampled from Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada and from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in the USA. To examine differences across the five proposed dimensions in Schommer's (1990) multidimensional model, students completed Schraw et al.'s (2002) Epistemological Beliefs Questionnaire. Analyses of course syllabi and classroom observations were also conducted. Quantitative results revealed that SFU students espoused more constructivist epistemic beliefs. Course content and syllabi analyses and classroom observations revealed similarities across the two universities. Differences were found, however, in course design. SFU students participated in course-required tutorial sessions that included constructivist activities. We interpret the differences we found in students' epistemic beliefs are a result of the tutorial component required at SFU. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.