Social, Human and Administrative SciencesSEARCH

An Analysis of Postgraduate Theses on PISA Exams in the Context of Mathematics Course

Zeynep TÜREL — 2025-08-05

The study aimed to examine postgraduate theses on PISA exams in the context of mathematics courses and to reveal general trends. Seventy-eight postgraduate theses were analyzed from the YÖK National Thesis Center database within the framework of the determined criteria. A document review was conducted in this qualitative study. The 'thesis review form' was used to process the data, and descriptive content analysis was conducted. When the research findings were examined, it was found that the theses were mostly master's theses and were mainly conducted at Hacettepe University. In addition, it was understood that most research was conducted in 2019 and 2022, most of which was conducted in science/department branches related to mathematics and measurement and was specific to the PISA 2012 exam. It was understood that document analysis was mostly conducted in the studies; the sample was a 15-year-old student group, and the sample size varied between 1000 and 10000. The most frequently discussed topics in the theses were test statistics and the examination of textbooks. This research is important in terms of providing a general perspective on the mathematics course and PISA exams and determining long-term strategies.

Gelişmiş Ülkelerin Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemiyle Ülkemizde Uygulanan Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi Refah Rejimleri Kapsamında Bir Panel Veri Analizi

Ali Kemal TERZİ — 2025-08-05

This study examines the implementation of Individual Pension Systems (IPS) within the framework of different welfare regime models. Based on Esping-Andersen’s classification of welfare regimes, IPS models were analyzed under liberal, conservative, and social democratic systems. It was found that in liberal IPS systems, state contribution is low and individual responsibility is emphasized, whereas in conservative IPS systems, employer contribution and the regulatory role of the state are prominent. In social democratic IPS systems, state contribution is high and returns are secured by the state. The study highlights that different IPS models vary among countries depending on return policies, participation models, and levels of state contribution. The findings indicate that the effectiveness and sustainability of IPS systems are influenced by state contribution, employer role, and market conditions. These results provide insights into the key factors that should be considered in the design and implementation of IPS systems according to the economic and social structures of countries.

Mapping Global Social Policy Research: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on Scopus Data

Hakan SARAÇ — 2025-08-05

This study analyses 18,645 articles searched with the keyword ‘social policy’ published in the Scopus database between 2005 and 2024 through bibliometric analysis. In the analyses performed using VOSviewer software, trends in global social policy literature, prominent research topics and future research directions are systematically evaluated. The findings of the study show that social policy research has increased in parallel with global events such as the 2008 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. In the publication and citation analysis, the USA, the UK and Australia were identified as the leading countries, while the University of Oxford and the University of Amsterdam stood out as the most productive institutions. In the keyword analysis, ‘social policy’, “poverty”, ‘welfare state’ and ‘social protection’ were identified as the most frequently used words. These results show that global economic crises and social inequalities shape the research agenda in the field. The study systematically maps the social policy literature and reveals the prominent themes in the field. It recommends in-depth studies on the impact of global crises, demographic transformations and technological developments on social policies, especially in developing countries.

Tacit Knowledge as A Corner Stone in Gastronomy: Action-Based Acqusition and Development Strategies

Meliha Yaren BERKTAŞ — 2025-08-05

In Turkish culinary culture, the metaphor of “mother’s hand” is frequently used to express cooking skills and unique techniques. This metaphor represents mothers’ long-standing experiences, their ability to produce flavors that are hard to describe, and their mastery in the kitchen. The failure to capture the unique taste and texture in dishes prepared by mothers, even when the same ingredients and recipes are used, forms the basis of this metaphor. In this context, “mother’s hand” symbolizes not only a cooking style but also the manual dexterity, mastery, and professional background of a cook or chef. The metaphor in question is a reflection of implicit knowledge that cannot be expressed explicitly and cannot be easily conveyed through written information. Implicit knowledge is of decisive importance, especially in the field of gastronomy. While explicit knowledge can be shared through written recipes, cookbooks, or teaching materials, implicit knowledge is based on direct experience, sensory perception, and applied knowledge. In culinary arts, the key element that transforms a recipe into a unique flavor and a distinctive texture is the skillful combination of techniques, timing, and use of ingredients. In this context, both in traditional home kitchens and professional kitchens, the acquisition of tacit knowledge is mostly realized through application, observation and trial-and-error processes. Just like the intuitive knowledge that mothers acquire through years of experience, professional chefs also reach this knowledge over time, through practice and developing sensory awareness. Therefore, the metaphor of the “mother’s hand” is not only a cultural expression but also a concrete representation of tacit knowledge in gastronomy. This study investigates the basic characteristics of tacit knowledge and its key role in gastronomy. It highlights how traditional culinary practices, often considered part of cultural heritage, rely heavily on this form of knowledge. The challenges of preserving and transmitting tacit knowledge in the face of technological advancements, standardized processes, and generational changes are examined. Through the lens of master-apprentice relationships, this research emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship for the successful transfer of tacit culinary knowledge. By fostering these relationships and creating community-based culinary workshops, future generations can be empowered to sustain and innovate within the rich tradition of gastronomy.

A Review on Social Anxiety Disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Gökçe SAKARYA — 2025-08-05

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition marked by an intense concern about negative judgment or embarrassment in social contexts, which may result in considerable disruption to everyday functioning. SAD develops through the interplay of cognitive, behavioral, biological, and environmental influences and significantly diminishes individuals’ quality of life and interpersonal relations. This paper is a literature review. Such reviews aim to systematically and critically analyze existing scholarly work on a defined subject. In this regard, full-text academic publications in Turkish, accessible via Google Scholar, were examined. The objective of this review is to assess the efficacy of cognitive behavioral interventions for individuals diagnosed with SAD. The findings demonstrate that genetic vulnerability, traumatic experiences, maladaptive cognitive schemas, as well as adverse social environmental conditions contribute significantly to the onset of SAD. Furthermore, individualized and group-oriented CBT interventions demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with social anxiety and in addressing related psychological concerns. In conclusion, increasing opportunities for early intervention, tailoring CBT programs to individual needs, and enhancing access to group-format therapies are advised.