Internal Consistency and Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Epistemic Beliefs Inventory (EBI)

The present study aimed to investigate validity, reliability and factor structure of Schraw, Bendixen and Dunkle epistemic beliefs inventory. Research method was descriptive and through random multi-stages sampling 289 B.S. students were selected. To determine reliability and validity of EBI, Cronbach alpha coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis were used. Findings indicated, the reliabilities of sub-scales (0/28-0/66) were not acceptable. CFA results showed, inventory’s statements were loaded on 5 hypothesized factors (Simple knowledge, certain knowledge, Innate-ability, Omniscient authority, Quick learning) of initial version inventory. The five factors model of EBI enjoyed goodness of fit in Iranian B.A. students; therefore it can be used for students’ epistemological beliefs assessments. It is notable, due to lack of/ low significance level of 7 items in factor loading, it seems these statements may not be very suitable but more studies are recommended to be done on different age’s group of Iranian communities.