Abstract:

The aim of this study is to reveal the cognitive structures of social information teachers candidates to the concept of "popular culture" through the word linking test (KIT). The work group of research in which the status study is preferred from the quality research methods forms social information teachers candidates. According to the appropriate sampling method, the research group consists of a total of 180 teachers candidates. The data was collected through the KIT prepared by the researchers. Imaginary analysis techniques are used in the analysis of data. The researchers associated 280 different words with the concept of “popular culture” and repeated these words 1137 times. The study found that participants associated most social media, fashion, Tik-tok, Instagram, music and consumer madness with the popular culture concept. As a result of the analysis of the related words, fifteen different topics were revealed. The study found that participants emphasized the very different aspects of the concept of "popular culture" and that they often associated this concept with everyday life. It is also understood that participants’ cognitive structures towards popular culture are more negative.

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