Abstract:

The purpose of this research is to reveal how university students have conceptualized their perceptions of the concept of science through metaphors. The research has been used by the research methods. The method of testing is used for the determination of the study’s study group. The measurement sampling technique is used by individuals who have a deep relationship with the subject of research in general in the determination of participants. In accordance with the purpose of the research, a study group was established in which university final class students who are familiar with the subject of the research and are closer to scientific research were included. In the study group specified for research in this context, the 2019-2020 educational year of the University of Bingöl Faculty of Science and Literature included a total of 513 university students who studied in the last class of various departments. The Metafor phrase was sent to students in an online environment (Mail, What Sapp, Facebook, Instagram) and asked them to complete it. In the analysis of the data obtained in the study, the techniques of "content analysis" and "betimical analysis" were used. According to the research, the university students produced 255 different metaphors related to the concept of "science". These metaphors revealed by students are categorized taking into account similar aspects. The metaphors of university students were categorized according to similarities, and 39 different categories appeared. These categories have also been gathered under 9 different topics. According to the research results, it was found that the students produced the metafor in the category of being the most “illuminating” (f=81). It has also concluded that metaphors can be used as an effective research tool to understand, explain and reveal the personal perceptions of university students of the concept of science.

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