The analysis of relations between scientific epistemological beliefs, attitudes towards TEOG exam and TEOG success

The main purpose of this study is to examine the 8th grade students' scientific epistemological beliefs, attitudes towards TEOG exam and to determine the relations between these factors and TEOG success. Within the frame of this main purpose, the scientific epistemological levels of students about the sub-dimensions of Scientific Epistemological Belief Scale were identified. Moreover, whether there is difference or not at the scientific epistemological belief and attitude levels of students according to variables such as gender, family income level and parents' education level was analysed. In this study, data were obtained from 305 students composing the first sample group of the study for TEOG Attitude Scale, which was developed in Turkey for the first time. In the light of data obtained, Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of scale was found as 0,751. The content validity was ensured by experts. In the process of determination of construct validity, factor loading values of items which were subjected to AFA were analysed. Items, levels of which were under 0.30, were eliminated. The construct of scale consisting of 16 items and 2 dimensions was verified with DFA Analysis. The data of study designed with correlational survey and causal-comparative research models were obtained from 410 students chosen from accessible population with the method of cluster sampling and composing the second sample group of the study. TEOG Attitude Scale with some demographic information items and Scientific Epistemological Belief Scale were applied to this second sample group. SPSS 20.0 programme was used to analyse the data and T- Test, ANOVA Test, Scheffe Test and Multiple Regression Analysis were applied to data set showing normal distribution. According to research findings, it was determined that students had the most developed beliefs at "reasoning" sub-dimension and the least developed beliefs at "authority and accuracy" sub-dimension related to sub-dimensions of Scientific Epistemological Belief Scale. A significant difference was determined between levels of scientific epistemological beliefs of students and attitudes in terms of gender variable. The variable of family income level was not significantly different at the level of scientific epistemological belief; however, a significant difference was found at the level of attitude. The variable of parents' education level was found significantly different at some dimensions. In accordance with the research's main purpose, it was concluded that students with high scientific epistemological belief level would be successful at TEOG exam, but the exam success of students with high attitude level towards TEOG exam would be relatively low. Key Words: Scientific epistemological beliefs, attitudes, TEOG Exam,constructivism