"Father's Profession Predicts Academic Outcomes for Women in STEM" by Christopher Bach and Bettina Casad
 

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Bettina Casad

Final Abstract for URS Program

Underrepresentation of Women in STEM

Despite earning a larger percentage of bachelor’s degrees than men, women earn less than half of bachelor’s degrees in most science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields (Casad, Petzel, & Ingalls, 2018). STEM fields are often high earning, highly innovative professions, and therefore underrepresentation of women in STEM is a concern (Burke, 2007; Hossain & Robinson, 2012).

Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and STEM Outcomes

Positive attitudes about math at a young age positively correlate with entrance into math related classes, leading to higher math self-efficacy and greater intent to pursue STEM careers (Wang, 2013). Because math self-efficacy tends to be lower among women students than men students (Wang, 2013), it is likely a strong factor in the underrepresentation of women in STEM.

Role Models and STEM Outcomes

Previous research shows a positive correlation between parental education level and women’s pursuit of STEM careers (Guyette & Mullen, 2006). Additionally, parental impact is predictive of math self-efficacy and math-attitudes (Casad, 2015). Because self-efficacy in a particular subject is predictive of course and career selection (Jacobs, 2005), this relationship warrants further exploration.

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2020

Bach, Casad; Father's Profession Predicts Academic Outcomes for Women in STEM; poster.pptx (6828 kB)
Father’s Profession Predicts Academic Outcomes for Women in STEM--Poster

Bach, Casad; Father's Profession Predicts Academic Outcomes for Women in STEM; video.mp4 (4068 kB)
Father’s Profession Predicts Academic Outcomes for Women in STEM-Video

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