Abstract:

The aim of this research is to examine the epistemological beliefs of social studies teacher candidates. The research was carried out in accordance with the scanning model. The study group of the research consists of 226 social studies teacher candidates studying at Afyon Kocatepe University Faculty of Education in the 2020-2021 academic year. While determining the study group, the convenient sampling method, which is one of the non-random sampling methods, was used. In the study, the "Epistemological Beliefs scale" was used as a data collection tool. The scale is in 5-point Likert type, consists of 3 subdimensions and 23 items. The obtained data were analyzed with the statistical package program. Normality assumptions were tested in order to reveal the structural features of the obtained data group. Skewness and kurtosis values ??were examined in all sub-dimensions of the epistemological beliefs scale. Accordingly, it was concluded that the study showed a normal distribution and that the analyzes to be made would be done with parametric tests. In the data analysis process, t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for groups independent of descriptive statistics. As a result of the study, it was determined that pre-service teachers' epistemological beliefs were high. It was observed that there was no significant difference in the epistemological beliefs of social studies teacher candidates in terms of gender, grade level, school success score and tendency to graduate education. Suggestions were made according to the results obtained. Accordingly, it is recommended to conduct studies with different branches and teachers.

Keywords: