A thematic content analysis study on concept map oriented graduate theses between 2001 and 2023

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to examine the postgraduate theses on concept mapping in terms of purpose and method and to determine the general trends of the studies prepared within the framework of this theme. The data obtained for this purpose were analyzed by thematic content analysis method. The postgraduate theses published on the official website of the National Thesis Center of the Higher Education Institution in Turkey (YÖK TEZ) between 2001 and 2023 on concept mapping were scanned in line with the criteria for inclusion in the study. A total of 116 graduate thesis, 100 master's theses (MT) and 16 doctoral theses (DT), were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were "being within the specified date range", "being concept map-oriented", "being within the Institute of Educational Sciences and Social Sciences". The distribution of the theses within the scope of the research was examined according to the year of publication, type of publication, subject, method/pattern, sample/study group and size, type of data collection tools, data analysis methods and the department/science branch. According to the results of the research, it was determined that the theses examined were mostly aimed at examining the effect of concept maps on student achievement, were predominantly designed in experimental design, the sample/study group was mostly in the range of 51-100 participants, and the sample consisted mostly of primary and secondary school students. It is thought that the main results of this study will provide important clues to researchers working in this field. Within the framework of the results of the research, it can be suggested that different research methods should be utilized in new studies to be conducted in this subject area, especially qualitative studies should be designed to examine the subject.