Misrepresentation of science concepts in Turkish picture books

Melek Merve Yılmaz, Rabia Özen Uyar and Durmuş Aslan
Çukurova University, Turkey

Picture books are among the primary resources that could be referred to for introducing scientific concepts to young children. However, it is known that misrepresentations in picture books could lead to misconceptions in children and make it more difficult to acquire scientific concepts. This study investigates the misrepresentation of scientific concepts in illustrations and texts in picture books. The study sample included 117 books that focused on science concepts which were analysed for illustrations and texts. The data were collected with a book review form developed by the authors and analysed by inductive content analysis. Findings indicate that the books examined contained a large number of misrepresentations. The illustrations contained more misrepresentations in comparison to the texts. These misrepresentations were largely due to the use of anthropomorphism. Results are discussed in terms of misconceptions, concept acquisition and meaningful learning by children, and will contribute to the awareness of teachers, parents and persons concerned with children's literature about misrepresentations in picture books.
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Authors: Melek Merve Yılmaz (corresponding author) is a research assistant in the Department of Early Childhood Education, Cukurova University, Turkey. She is undertaking a doctorate in early childhood education. Her research focuses on science, technology and environmental education in early childhood. Email: melekmerveyilmaz@gmail.com Rabia Özen Uyar is a research assistant in the Department of Early Childhood Education, Cukurova University, Turkey. She is undertaking a doctorate in early childhood education, with research focusing on environmental education and gender equality. Email: rabiaozenuyar@gmail.com Dr Durmuş Aslan is a associate professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education, Cukurova University, Turkey. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in early childhood education for science and mathematics. He has published articles and book chapters on science and mathematics in early childhood education. Email: durmaslan@gmail.com Please cite as: Yılmaz, M. M., Özen Uyar, R. & Aslan, D. (2020). Misrepresentation of science concepts in Turkish picture books. Issues in Educational Research, 30(3), 1183-1203. http://www.iier.org.au/iier30/yilmaz.pdf