ERIC Number: ED647016
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 185
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-8417-6645-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Relationships between Gender, Mindset, and Science Inquiry in Middle School Science
Jennifer D. Hooper
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of Texas at San Antonio
My dissertation is a pre-mid-post-test, quantitative research design, including surveys and written assessments, to answer these research questions: 1. How do students' science mindset vary over time when engaged in science inquiry activities? Is there a difference between male and female students? 2. Is there a relationship between 7th grade students' performance on science inquiry activities and their science mindset? Is there a difference between males and females? The scatter plots generated from the survey data for question #1 display a pronounced shift for all students, moving an average of one point towards a growth mindset and 49% of females had a positive change from a fixed to a growth mindset. For question number #2 I did not find a linear correlation between a student's science mindset and their written assessment, despite showing a large movement of student's mindset towards growth after a second science inquiry intervention. A female's science identity weakens if elements such as self-efficacy, interest, and willingness to challenge themselves are missing. As students become more familiar with scientific inquiry, there is a deeper understanding of the science content by communicating within their group and engaging in a hands-on lab activity. In pursuit of a more in-depth understanding, a student's self-efficacy and identity in science increase as well as a growth mindset (Devers, 2015). My research shows that the use of scientific inquiry as a teaching method directly impacts a female's science growth mindset and may reduce the gender gap in science achievement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Correlation, Gender Differences, Self Concept, Middle School Students, Student Attitudes, Science Education, Scientific Research, Inquiry, Active Learning, Grade 7, Science Activities, Science Achievement, Student Evaluation, Intervention, Self Efficacy, Science Interests, Course Content, Hands on Science, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Grade 7
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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