Exploring neurogastronomy: an analysis using the word association test and free word association

Introduction: This study expands our understanding of neurogastronomy's various dimensions and addresses a critical gap in the literature concerning its conceptual structure. However, as a field of research, neurogastronomy lacks conceptual clarity despite its growing popularity. Drawing on Semantic Network Theory, according to which cognitive associations define conceptual understanding, this study investigates the field's cognitive structure. Methods: Word Association Tests were conducted with 327 gastronomy students in Turkey. Results: The analysis yielded 16 codes and 6 themes, with "sensory experience and taste perception" emerging as dominant. The findings demonstrate that neurogastronomy functions as a fragmented rather than a cohesive concept within the cognitive network. Discussion: By empirically mapping the field's conceptual boundaries, this study provides a foundation for clarifying terminology and informing future theoretical and applied research.