Beliefs about academic knowledge

Individuals' beliefs about knowledge (i.e., epistemological beliefs) have b ecome the focus of inquiry in the educational and psychological literatures . Based on an analysis of those literatures, we first propose that epistemo logical beliefs are multidimensional and multilayered. That is, individuals possess general beliefs about knowledge, as well as beliefs about more spe cific forms of knowledge (e.g., academic knowledge). Second, we examine the relationship between epistemological beliefs and learning in order to unde rstand why such beliefs are important to educators. Third, we question whet her beliefs about academic knowledge are truly general (i.e., unwavering ac ross academic domains) or have a character reflective of the domain to whic h they are associated (i.e., domain specific). Finally, we explore some of the common problems in the research and suggest topics for future study.