Abstract

In personal epistemology research, context has been scarcely kept in mind. In this paper, theoretical reasons are presented that show the importance of considering the context to which the personal epistemology makes reference, as well as the context in which the beliefs are declared. We propose that epistemological understanding referred to and declared in specialized contexts, could be different that the one referred to and declared in non specialized contexts. Two exploratory studies were carried out in order to answer the research question: Are epistemological understanding different in different reference and declarative contexts? In both studies, epistemological understanding referred to and declared in the specialized pedagogic context was bigger than when it is referred to and declared in a non-specialized, an informal social context. It is suggested that it is important to incorporate declarative and referential contexts, as well as the distinction among specialized and non-specialized context, in personal epistemology research.