The relationship between epistemological beliefs, learning approach and academic achievement

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between epistemological beliefs and learning approaches with academic achievement. Hence, a sample of 332 students (176 female, 156 male) were selected from mathematics students of Tehran Universities, using multistage cluster sampling. To collect data two questionnaires of epistemological beliefs (EQ, Schommer, 1990) and the revised study process (R-SPQ-2F, Biggs, Kember and Leung, 2001) were used. Results indicated a direct effect of complex knowledge on both deep and surface learning approaches. Furthermore, deep and surface approaches mediated the effect of simple knowledge on academic achievement. Finally, the results showed that the model adequately fit the data.