Do Perceptions of Gifted Intelligence and Normal Intelligence Participants Differ About Social Science and Social Scientists?

Abstract

This qualitative study was conducted to compare the perceptions of students with gifted intelligence and students
with those of normal intelligence about social science and social scientists. The data obtained from 23 gifted
intelligent and 23 normal participants within the same age group was analysed using content analysis and results
were represented with a straight and systematic language. A significant part of normal participants confused social
science teacher with social scientist. Both groups find a social scientist happy. Social scientist was represented as
young and dynamic, was thought without hindrance as well. As a common finding, gender is significant for both
groups and males were distinguished. They do not sufficiently recognise social scientists. However, normal
intelligence participants confuse social sciences with the natural sciences and they give names of both natural
scientists and inventors instead of social scientists.