The relation between epistemological beliefs and implicit theories of intelligence with goal orientation

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine relation between epistemological beliefs and implicit theories of intelligence with students goal orientation and the mediating role of epistemological beliefs in relation between implicit theories of intelligence and goal orientation among students at Tabriz University. 384 students were selected by ratio stratified random sampling method from three groups of Technical and engineering, basic science and human science faculties. Data was gathered through the Schommer Epistemological Questionnaire, and Theories of Intelligence Scale and Goal orientation Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using multiple regression and path analysis method. Results indicated that direct effect of Incremental theory on mastery approach goal orientation was significant (p=0.05). Entity theory had direct and indirect effect on avoidance mastery goal orientation by speed of knowledge acquisition (p=0.05). Also, other results revealed that direct effect of entity theory on approach performance goal orientation was not significant but indirect effect of it by source of knowledge was significant (p=0.05). In addition, direct effect of Entity theory and simple knowledge on avoidance performance goal orientation was significant (p=0.05).

Keywords

• Intelligence
• Epistemology
• Belief
• goal orientation
• motivation
• Learning
• student