The Evaluation of Students' Mental Images of Cigarette Through Metaphor Analysis

Abstract

Concepts change into mental images through individuals' experiences. Therefore, mental images can differ from culture to culture. This study aims to analyse students' mental images of cigarette through metaphors. This research uses phenomenology, one of qualitative research designs. The study group was composed of 986 secondary school, high school and university students chosen in purposeful sampling method. The participants were asked to complete the statement "a cigarette is like..... because......" in order that their mental images might be revealed. The data were analyzed through content analysis. In consequence, 886 metaphors, 110 of which were different, were obtained. The metaphors were found to be grouped into 3 different categories.