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Journals / International Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics / 2026 / Cilt: 13 Sayı: 2

Examining the Cognitive Structures of Primary School Mathematics Teacher Candidates Regarding the Concept of "Variable" Using the Word Association Test

Mehtap Taştepe(Sinop üniversitesi)0000-0002-4535-3606
Nezihe Büşra Altay(ANADOLU UNIVERSITY)0009-0008-6662-3899
Pages
127–137
Publication Date
2026-07-01
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings revealed that preservice teachers primarily associated the concept of “variable” with mathematics, followed by the themes of social sciences and humanities, scientific method and variables, daily life and observable characteristics, technology and abstract concepts, natural sciences, and economics-finance.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study aims to examine the cognitive structures of preservice teachers enrolled in the Elementary Mathematics Education program regarding the concept of “variable” through the Word Association Test.
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Key Findings & Data:The research was designed using a case study, and the study group consisted of 38 preservice teachers studying in the Elementary Mathematics Education program at a state university.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings revealed that preservice teachers primarily associated the concept of “variable” with mathematics, followed by the themes of social sciences and humanities, scientific method and variables, daily life and observable characteristics, technology and abstract concepts, natural sciences, and economics-finance.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Variable · word association test · cognitive structure

Abstract

This study aims to examine the cognitive structures of preservice teachers enrolled in the Elementary Mathematics Education program regarding the concept of “variable” through the Word Association Test. The research was designed using a case study, and the study group consisted of 38 preservice teachers studying in the Elementary Mathematics Education program at a state university. The data were collected through a Word Association Test administered for the concept of “variable” and analyzed using content analysis. A total of 247 valid associations were obtained, and the data were categorized under seven main themes. The findings revealed that preservice teachers primarily associated the concept of “variable” with mathematics, followed by the themes of social sciences and humanities, scientific method and variables, daily life and observable characteristics, technology and abstract concepts, natural sciences, and economics-finance. Within the mathematical concepts theme, “equation” and “function” emerged as the most frequently repeated concepts. The results indicate that preservice teachers construct the concept of “variable” in a multidimensional, rich, and interdisciplinary manner. This integrated understanding is considered to provide a positive foundation for teaching the concept more effectively in their future practice.

Özet

This study aims to examine the cognitive structures of preservice teachers enrolled in the Elementary Mathematics Education program regarding the concept of “variable” through the Word Association Test. The research was designed using a case study, and the study group consisted of 38 preservice teachers studying in the Elementary Mathematics Education program at a state university. The data were collected through a Word Association Test administered for the concept of “variable” and analyzed using content analysis. A total of 247 valid associations were obtained, and the data were categorized under seven main themes. The findings revealed that preservice teachers primarily associated the concept of “variable” with mathematics, followed by the themes of social sciences and humanities, scientific method and variables, daily life and observable characteristics, technology and abstract concepts, natural sciences, and economics-finance. Within the mathematical concepts theme, “equation” and “function” emerged as the most frequently repeated concepts. The results indicate that preservice teachers construct the concept of “variable” in a multidimensional, rich, and interdisciplinary manner. This integrated understanding is considered to provide a positive foundation for teaching the concept more effectively in their future practice.

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Cite This Article

Taştepe, M., Altay, N. B. (2026). Examining the Cognitive Structures of Primary School Mathematics Teacher Candidates Regarding the Concept of "Variable" Using the Word Association Test. International Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics, Cilt: 13 Sayı: 2, 127–137. https://doi.org/10.17278/ijesim.1893935

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