What Counts as STEM Careers Matters: Gender and Motivational Predictors Vary by Definition

• In Event: Motivation and Cognition in STEM

Abstract

The current study explored whether predictors of STEM career interest (math achievement, math motivation, science motivation, and gender) varied by definition of STEM used (including medicine, termed STEM+Medicine or excluding medicine, termed traditional-STEM). High-school students (79% Black), mostly from families with limited financial resources in an urban area, completed various questionnaires and assessments throughout high school. Predictors varied by definition. The only variable that predicted traditional-STEM career interest was gender (boys more likely to express interest), while science utility value and gender (girls more likely to express interest) predicted STEM+Medicine career interest. In order to properly tailor interventions, researchers must be aware that predictors of interest vary by the definition of STEM career interest used.

Authors

• Rebecca Adler, Vanderbilt University
  Presenting Author

• Danny Xu, Vanderbilt University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Bethany Rittle-Johnson, Vanderbilt University
  Non-Presenting Author