Gender Stereotypes in Computer Science: A Path to Expectancy, Values, Costs, and Anticipated Emotions

• In Event: Facilitating Success and Persistence in STEM/STEAM

Abstract

Gender stereotypes contribute to the under-representation of women in computer science yet their interplay with emotions and motivational perceptions are not well understood. Based on predictions from control-value and expectancy-value theories, we examine possible gender differences and structural relations among gender stereotype endorsement, expectancy for success, values, costs, anticipated emotions, and achievement in a large introductory undergraduate computer science course (N = 221). Women reported lower anticipated positive deactivated emotions (e.g., calm) than men and stereotype endorsement predicted maladaptive relations with expectancy, values, and costs. Results underscore the relevance of examining the relations between expectancy, values, and costs, and anticipated emotions.

Authors

• John Ranellucci, University of Ottawa

• Bradley W. Bergey, Queens College, CUNY

• Andrew Wintner, New York City Department of Education