The Unique Contributions of Math and Science Motivation to STEM Outcomes: A Gender Comparison Study

• In Event: 29.074 - Women, Girls, and STEM

Abstract

The most recent NSF report on women, minorities and persons with disabilities in science and engineering (2015) shows that the well-known gender gap in STEM fields is continuing to persist. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between motivational subconstructs in relation to science and math motivation and STEM outcomes as moderated by gender. The results indicate that gender moderates the relationship between motivation subconstructs and second order math and science motivation latent variables, as well as the correlation between math motivation and science motivation. It is suggested that increasing females’ math interest may be the most effective path to increasing females’ math motivation resulting in more equitable STEM outcomes for women.

Authors

• Amy M. Sharp, University of Washington

• Elizabeth A. Sanders, University of Washington

• Susan B. Nolen, University of Washington - Seattle