Unraveling Demographic Threads in Science Capital: Insights From the High School Longitudinal Study Data Set

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Trends and (In)Equities in Science Education and Course Pathways (Table 11)

Abstract

This study aims to quantitatively analyze science capital using the High School Longitudinal Study dataset, focusing on its demographic variations. Science capital, which includes knowledge, attitudes, and networks related to science, is crucial for understanding how student groups engage with and benefit from science education. The research addresses three key questions: 1) How can HSLS data be used to develop a robust measure of science capital? 2) How does science capital vary across sociodemographic profiles (e.g., race, gender, SES) within HSLS? 3) How can factor analysis reveal the dimensions of science capital and their correlation with science outcomes? The study aims to offer insights into science capital's role in equity, informing policies and practices to enhance science education opportunities for students.

Author

• Katharine Taylor Harris, University of Florida