Coast Guard Officer Candidates’ Metaphoric Perceptions about Being an Officer Candidate: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

This research was carried out to reveal the mental images (metaphors) of the candidates (n = 100) who are employed in the Turkish Coast Guard and who are in the basic training process. Each participant completed a standard form stating: “Being a Coast Guard officer candidate is... because… " The raw data obtained by completing the statement was analyzed in accordance with the convergent mixed research pattern. Officer candidates produced 78 different metaphors regarding their situation. These metaphors are grouped under eight different conceptual categories in terms of their common features. The categories in question differed according to the gender of the participants. The findings provide information about the situation of the officer candidates These findings can be used to improve recruitment and training processes and to enhance basic training.