S u m m a r y

Päivänsalo T-M (1997)

Knowledge and knowing - a first year students' perspective

Psykologia 32/4 (261-269). Rauma ISSN 0355-1067.

 

The purpose of this study was to describe the thoughts and experiences students have in relation to knowledge and knowing. The focus was on how the students saw themselves as knowers. Eleven first year psychology students, all women, were interviewed. Interview protocols were analyzed with a qualitative, phenomenologically oriented approach. Students' experiences were described on the following questions: 1) a general approach to knowledge and knowing, 2) concepts for grouping different types of knowledge, 3) epistemological questions raised in the students' accounts, 4) value of knowledge and 5) qualities associated with good and valuable knowledge.

 

Key worlds:

College students, knowledge, epistemological beliefs, phenomenology.

 

Tiina Maria Päivänsalo, PsM, Linnoituksenkatu 10 F 51, 00940 Helsinki