Comparison of Epistemological Beliefs and Problem Solving among Gifted and Normal Female Students

The present study aimed to compare epistemological beliefs and problem solving styles among gifted and normal female students of Torbat-e Heydariyeh in 1397-98. Population included all female students of junior and senior high schools at Torbat-e Heydariyeh (N=647). Having used a single-stage cluster sampling and, then, a simple random sampling technique, the researchers selected 100 participants. Having used a descriptive method, these researchers collected the data by administering Schommer 's (1990) epistemological beliefs questionnaire, and problem solving skills questionnaire developed by Cassidy and Long (1996). Results of the study indicated a statistically significant difference between epistemological beliefs of gifted and normal female students (gifted: Mean=59.322; normal: Mean=49.678; α=.05; df=98). Finally, although the normal group‘s mean score of confidence in problem-solving was less than that obtained by the other group, their mean score in approach style was higher.