Abstract

Students draw from several experiences such as testing their ideas, developing searching skills and discovering the ways of seeking information that will be necessary throughout their life with the help of science. It is noted that the conceptions of students concerning science, the nature of science and the scientists have a positive or negative impact on the future profession selection and the achievement level of the students in that field. In this study, the scientist perception of the teacher candidates were explored in terms of cognitive conception, physical conception, source of conception, the scientists observed in the milieu and the favorite scientist variables. Furthermore, the relation between scientist perception and scientific attitude were assessed by examining the scientific attitudes of the students. In order to identify the scientist perceptions of students, the scale developed by Song and Kim (1999) and to specify their scientific attitudes the scale which was developed by Moore and Foy (1997) and translated into Turkish by the author were used. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in the inquiry. The research comprised a single unit of analysis (an individual, a school, etc.) therefore a holistic single case design was used in the study. Quantitative data were gathered using descriptive survey technique. In the light of the findings of this study, several recommendations were made including the need for leading students towards activities involving the scientific methods and conceptions of the students and the ways of scientists.

Key words: Scientist image, scientific attitude, science teachers, science education.