Bridging Beliefs and Learning: The Mediating Role of Critical Thinking in the Relationship Between Epistemological Beliefs and Lifelong Learning Behaviours

Abstract

Individuals’ methods of acquiring information are greatly influenced by their epistemological beliefs, and these beliefs have profound effects on how responsive individuals are to different viewpoints and their engagement in learning throughout their lives. The present study focuses on correlations between epistemological beliefs, critical thinking abilities, and lifelong learning behaviours, and the mediating role of critical thinking on the relationship between epistemological thinking and lifelong learning. A total of 183 university students in Istanbul composed the study group, and the participants were administered the Lifelong Learning Tendency Scale, the Epistemological Belief Questionnaire, and the Critical Thinking Scale. The findings revealed positive and significant correlations between all the variables. The results also demonstrated a positive and significant effect of epistemological beliefs on lifelong learning that occurred through the mediation of critical thinking (b = 0.198, p = 0.02). In addition, the direct effect of epistemological beliefs on lifelong learning without considering the mediating effect of critical thinking was also positive and significant (b = 0.074, p = 0.01). The practical implications of the findings are also discussed in the study. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.