An analysis of expressions in storybooks used in primary schools

This study aims to examine and evaluate the expressions found in storybooks prepared for the primary school level. The research method employed is document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. The study group consists of storybooks selected from eight different authors and publishers intended for primary school students. Previous scientific studies on the subject were systematically reviewed. Based on the obtained data, a "Violence Elements Identification Form" was developed, and violent elements in the storybooks were analyzed under three main themes: verbal violence, emotional violence, and physical violence. Various subcategories were created for each type of violence. Verbal violence expressions were categorized as: insulting, shouting, threatening, breaking, getting angry, swearing, using slang expressions, cursing, and slandering. Emotional violence expressions included: intimidation, exclusion, anger, injustice, and bullying. Physical violence expressions included: cutting, hitting, killing, imprisoning, attacking, knocking unconscious, and attempted murder. The frequency of violent elements in the text was determined separately for each storybook. The analysis revealed that expressions of violence in the storybooks were grouped into three main themes with the following frequency values: verbal violence (f=101), physical violence (f=66), and emotional violence (f=40). To ensure the reliability of the study, two independent coders participated in the qualitative data analysis process, and the consistency between their codings was examined. The formula proposed by Miles and Huberman (1994) was used to calculate the agreement rate: Reliability = Consensus / (Consensus + Disagreement) × 100. As a result, the agreement rate between the two coders was found to be 83,09%. It was determined that verbal violence was the most frequently observed type of violence in the analyzed storybooks. The findings were discussed in light of the relevant literature, and recommendations were presented accordingly. Keywords: violence, storybook, primary school