Epistemological Beliefs and Ill-structured Problem-solving in Solo and Paired Contexts

A mixed-method exploratory approach was employed to examine the relationship between epistemological beliefs and quality of thinking when participants first thought about an ill-structured problem alone, and then with another person in a dyad. The results showed that there was not a systematic connection between epistemological beliefs and ill-structured problem solving in either solo or paired contexts. It is speculated that the emotional and cultural nature of the problem affected participants’ problem-solving approach. It is recommended that future empirical studies examine the relationship between epistemological beliefs and thinking in a contextualized way by assuming an integrative approach so that emotions, epistemological beliefs, and cognition are considered systemically.