Views of Social Studies Teachers on Scientific Research Methodology

Abstract

Scientific method is one means by which knowledge is created. The goal of the social studies course is to teach the methodology used by these sciences in accessing the subject information along with the information they provide from social sciences. Therefore, social studies teachers should be aware of the scientific research methodology so that they can teach according to this purpose. In this study, the focus was on how teachers consider scientific research. This study aimed to investigate social studies teachers' views on scientific research methodology. It adopted phenomenology, one of the qualitative research designs. Maximum diversity sampling and criterion sampling were used to determine the study group. Data collection consisted of two stages. In the first stage, the Views about Scientific Inquiry Questionnaire (VASI) was applied. The second stage included a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher. Data were analysed via the descriptive analysis technique. The codes were classified under the headings in the VASI form. Findings showed that views of social studies teachers regarding scientific research methodology were mostly wrong and inadequate. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to social studies teachers, administrators, and the officials of the Council of Higher Education (CoHE). These suggestions were as follows: Teachers need to learn about scientific research methodology, school administrators should implement programs such as in-service training for teachers on a related subject, and CoHE officials should add more content about scientific research methodology to social studies teacher training programs.