The Effect of Gender Differences and Similarities on Science Performance

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches to Assess Students' Cognitive Performance

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that a gender difference (favoring boys) exists in STEM performances but studies in cognitive abilities have showed gender similarities. The current study explores gender differences and similarities in science performance. 3421 9th-12th graders (1602 boys) participated in this study. Two differential distractor functioning approaches: Multinomial logistic regression and IRT nominal response models were conducted to analyze the error patterns between boys and girls. The above results were aligned with those of previous studies. First, confirming gender similarity on overall performance and second, showing gender differences involving some specific errors that students committed, at least in this high school population

Authors

• Yi-Ling Cheng, Kaohsiung Medical University

• Barbara Schneider, Michigan State University

• Mark D. Reckase, Michigan State University

• Joseph S. Krajcik, Michigan State University