Network Analysis on Associative Words and Definitions of ‘Electricity’ Terminology of Education University Students

Abstract

This research aimed to identify core words used as associative words and definitions for expressing ‘electricity’ terminology and to find how core ones are activated to form a cognitive structure, using network analysis. The participants targeted 83 university freshmen students in the University of Education located in suburbs. Depending on their gender, whether or not they completed physics in high school, the associative words and definitions were analyzed using the network method, classifying two sections: before-lesson and after-lesson. The result is as follows: At before-lesson associative words for ‘electricity’ terminology, a slightly different network construction was revealed based on their two properties. However, after the class, they showed similar network structure irrespective of their distinctive characteristics. When it comes to other ‘electricity’ definitions, before taking the course, they had similar network connection across the gender but based on physics education status, there appeared subtle differences. Ultimately, after the class they demonstrated similar network structure regardless of their features. In conclusion, this paper suggests educational implications on network analysis, which covers ‘electricity’ terminology of university students.