Girls often express less interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education and careers than boys, despite having comparable aptitude. We randomly assigned 242 girls (Mdn[subscript age] = 12 years; 38% East Asian; 37% White) at Canadian STEM camps to control conversations about generic camp experiences, or intervention…

Implicit stereotypes about gender and STEM may unconsciously shape students' academic choices and contribute to gender gaps in major choice, but there is limited economic evidence on this channel. To study this relationship, we administer a gender-science Implicit Association Test (IAT) to a sample of primarily first-semester undergraduates, and…

In this study, we examined the degree to which two forms of perceived interpersonal influence relate to college women's plans to become leaders in their career fields. We also tested whether those associations vary as a function of the nontraditionality of the women's majors (as indexed by the percentage of male students in their majors). The…

Based on data from a single institution, this study estimates the effect of having a female instructor, the effects of measures of self-efficacy, and the interaction effects of measures of self-efficacy and having a female instructor on female and male student grade performance. Self-efficacy for academic achievement, self-regulated learning,…

Gender-matched role models are often proposed as a mechanism to increase identification with science among girls, with the ultimate aim of broadening participation in science. While there is a great deal of evidence suggesting that role models can be effective, there is mixed support in the literature for the importance of gender matching. We used…

In Texas, there is an increase in the enrollment of men of various ethnicities in nursing schools, especially Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs. As these men strive to complete the nursing education, they face many concerns that center on barriers that are encountered in what is still a predominately Caucasian and female environment. In…

Examined family background variables in relation to women's (N=400) adherence to feminist ideology and commitment to a self-perception as a "feminist." Results showed the only factors differentiating women who uphold feminist ideology from those who do not is perception of mothers' ideology and nonreligious background. (WAS)

In her introduction to this theme issue on women and leadership, the author reviews evidence on the background characteristics and advancement patterns of women leaders. Childhood sports participation, parental support, role models, mentors, education, and the development of security and self-confidence are considered as requisites to leadership…

Investigates the status of gender and computer use in education based on a study by the IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement). Results indicate possible causes of gender differences include parental support, access to computers, lack of female role models, and types of computer activities in schools.…

This study of 368 female undergraduates examined self-efficacy and role model influence as predictors of career choice across J. L. Holland's (1997) 6 RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) types. Findings showed that levels of self-efficacy and role model influence differed across Holland types. Multiple…