TURKISH STUDENTS’ IMAGES OF SCIENTISTS

Abstract

This study analyses the drawings of scientists done by Turkish students, primarily to learn how the students have represented scientists and to find out the stereotypical images that they use. The drawings are compared with the results of a similar study conducted twelve years earlier by the same author. Gender characteristics and differences are a focus of interest. The Draw-a-Scientist Test (DAST) was used to record and analyse the images. The sample for the study consisted of 520 students from various grade levels. Their drawings are discussed in terms of three themes: the general use of standard indicators, gender differences in stereotypical images, and implications of the results for teaching and learning science. Key words: Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST), images of scientists, scientific literacy, values in science education.