작은 생물을 연구하는 과학자에 대한 초등학생들의 인식 및 이미지 분석

Abstract

We investigated perceptions and image analysis on scientists studying small organisms reflected in elementary student's drawing using a modified version of the Drawing-A-Scientist-Test. The participants were 530 of fifth and sixth graders consisted of 449 ordinary students and 81 science gifted students. The data were collected from associated words, images and explanatory notes depicted by students engaged in questionnaires. The results indicated that a larger number of students reminded small sized animals and/or plants as words associated with small organisms. In addition, some students depicted anthropomorphic or abstract microorganisms. In this study, more stereotypes of scientists' appearance were exhibited at sixth graders and city region group. Most of the students depicted indicators such as lab coat, glasses, scientific instruments for observing, indoor, male and young, whereas only a few students depicted collaborative work. There was statistically significant difference between girls and boys, because boys perceived male scientists only, while half of girls depicted female. More frequent research instruments and scientific captions were used when science gifted students depicted scientists studying small organisms. These results could be contributed to education on microorganisms in elementary science.