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Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills
Abstract
Given its importance, there is a perceived necessity to conduct an in-depth examination of studies on scientific reasoning skills and to create a guided map based on these examinations. This study aims to establish a general framework by examining national postgraduate theses related to scientific reasoning skills, revealing their current state, and updating any hidden or misunderstood skills. The research sample includes 74 national postgraduate theses from Türkiye, which are accessible through the National Thesis Center database of the Council of Higher Education (CoHE). These theses were analyzed in-depth using thematic content analysis, a qualitative research method. The examined national postgraduate theses were analyzed across 13 themes: “year”, “thesis type”, “field of education”, “research design/method model”, “type of experimental research”, “learning method”, “sample type”, “sample size”, “data collection methods/tools”, “data analysis technique”, “scientific reasoning skills included in the research”, “results” and discussions”, and “recommendations”. The findings revealed that most of these were written in 2019. The predominant thesis type was a master's thesis, and the most common field of education was mathematics education. The most frequent research design/method model was experimental, with quasi-experimental design being the most common type of experimental research. Middle school students were the most frequent sample type, with sample sizes most commonly ranging from 0-25. Tests were the most frequently used data collection methods/tools, and validity was the most employed data analysis technique. Argumentation-based learning was the preferred learning method. The most addressed scientific reasoning skill in the research was mathematical reasoning, specifically focused on mathematical reasoning skills. The results and discussions frequently highlighted improvements in students' scientific reasoning skills. The recommendations often advised researchers to develop applications aimed at enhancing scientific reasoning skills.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Applied and Developmental Psychology (Other)
Journal Section
Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis
Publication Date
December 31, 2025
Submission Date
July 23, 2025
Acceptance Date
November 20, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 13 Number: 2
APA
Ergün, M., & Zorlu, F. (2025). Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills. Karaelmas Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 13(2), 109-133. https://doi.org/10.58638/kebd.1749246
AMA
1.Ergün M, Zorlu F. Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills. KJES. 2025;13(2):109-133. doi:10.58638/kebd.1749246
Chicago
Ergün, Melisa, and Fulya Zorlu. 2025. “Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills”. Karaelmas Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi 13 (2): 109-33. https://doi.org/10.58638/kebd.1749246.
EndNote
Ergün M, Zorlu F (December 1, 2025) Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills. Karaelmas Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi 13 2 109–133.
IEEE
[1]M. Ergün and F. Zorlu, “Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills”, KJES, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 109–133, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.58638/kebd.1749246.
ISNAD
Ergün, Melisa - Zorlu, Fulya. “Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills”. Karaelmas Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi 13/2 (December 1, 2025): 109-133. https://doi.org/10.58638/kebd.1749246.
JAMA
1.Ergün M, Zorlu F. Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills. KJES. 2025;13:109–133.
MLA
Ergün, Melisa, and Fulya Zorlu. “Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills”. Karaelmas Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 13, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 109-33, doi:10.58638/kebd.1749246.
Vancouver
1.Melisa Ergün, Fulya Zorlu. Thematic Content Analysis of National Graduate Theses on Scientific Reasoning Skills. KJES. 2025 Dec. 1;13(2):109-33. doi:10.58638/kebd.1749246