Investigating Women's Underrepresentation in Computer Science: Stereotypes, Belonging, Expectancies, and Values

• In Event: Examining Motivation Among Historically Minoritized Groups in STEM

Abstract

Women remain underrepresented in computer science (CS). In this study, framed within the situated expectancy-value theory, we investigate how parental experiences, stereotypes about CS, and belonging in CS predict women’s expectancies, values, and career intentions. Participants were 160 undergraduates (51% female) enrolled in an introduction to CS course at an urban public college. Statistical analyses revealed that male students perceived a greater fit with the computer science stereotype than female students. Belonging positively predicted expectancy, value, and career intentions. Negative stereotype concerns positively predicted costs, and stereotype belief positively predicted career intentions. Gender moderated the relationship between negative stereotype concerns and expectancy, negative stereotype concerns, and value, and belonging and career intention.

Authors

• Hossein Kalati, University of Ottawa
  Presenting Author

• Samantha Mackie
  Non-Presenting Author

• Bradley W. Bergey, Queens College - CUNY
  Non-Presenting Author

• John Ranellucci, University of Ottawa
  Non-Presenting Author