Explaining Self-knowledge Based on the Components of Epistemological Beliefs and Personality Traits

This research aimed at explaining self-knowledge based on the components of epistemological beliefs and personality traits.

The research method was correlational in this study. The statistical populationof this study included all students of (State, Azad, Applied Science, and non-profit)universitiesof Tehran in the academic year of 2017-18. For this purpose, a total of 400 female students were selected using multistage cluster sampling. The research instrument wereSelf-Knowledge Questionnaire (Ghorbani, Watson & Hargeis, 2003), Five Factor Personality short-form Questionnaire (McCarry & Costa, 1985),and the Epistemological Beliefs Questionnaire (Schommer, 1993). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and regression analysis method.

The findings of the research showed that there was a significant direct correlation between self-knowledge andpersonality traits (Compatibility and Conscientious) and epistemology beliefs (innate ability andability to understand everything fully)(P<%05). Also, the variables of personality traits (Compatibility and Conscientious) and epistemology beliefs (ability to understand everything fully)were able to explain and predict self-knowledge with beta coefficients of%260, %156,and %150.

Since epistemology beliefs (ability to understand everything fully)and personality traits (Compatibility and Conscientious) can explain and predict self-knowledge,it seems that students can improve their self-esteem by promoting such features.