Epistemology of Complexity and University Education: An Experimental Investigation into the Role of Debate
Keywords:
Personal epistemologies, Complexity epistemology, DebateAbstract
This paper outlines an ongoing research project aimed at investigating the role of debate in university education, with a particular focus on the development of complexity-oriented personal epistemologies. Using a quasi-experimental approach, the study will assess, using the Epistemic Beliefs Inventory, whether debate training and participation in competitive tournaments transform the conceptions of knowledge among university students from six MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries. The research design includes pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys, ensuring control for sociocultural variables and ensuring rigorous and structured data collection. Quantitative analysis will be conducted during 2026, with the aim of offering insights for innovating educational practices and policies, fostering the diffusion of debate and complex and relational thinking in international education systems.
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