Research at the Intersection of Science Education and Neuroscience: A Bibliometric and Content Analysis

Abstract

Along with the growing interest in neuroscience and advances in the field, research on the neuroscience of science learning has increased considerably. Despite the growing body of literature, comprehensive review studies integrating bibliometric and content analysis perspectives remain limited. To address this gap, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of research integrating science education and neuroscience using bibliometric and content analysis methods. The data for this study comprise 288 articles published between 1992 and 2024, retrieved from the Web of Science database. The scientific mapping software VOSviewer and SciMAT were used for data analysis and visualization of the relevant literature. Research results indicate that neuroscience research in science education has seen significant growth in recent years. The United States is the country with the highest levels of productivity, impact, and collaboration. The leading journal in the field is the ‘‘Journal of Chemical Education’’, and Yu-Cin Jian has been identified as the most productive researcher. The most-cited article, authored by Makransky et al. (2019), has received 769 citations. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed shifts in research focus over the field's thematic evolution. The results of the content analysis showed that the most commonly used neurocognitive tools are eye tracking and electroencephalography, whereas tools such as brain stimulation, galvanic skin response, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy are used quite sparingly. From a methodological perspective, it has been determined that the studies largely rely on quantitative research designs, that participants consist predominantly of university students, and that sample sizes are generally small. This study provides a comprehensive framework regarding the themes shaping the field, its intellectual structure, its evolution, and trends over time, and serves as a fundamental reference point for future research.