Science Identity at the Intersection of Race and Gender: Mediation Effects of Science Self-Efficacy

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-21 - Critical Race Theory and Critical Pedagogy in Science Education

Abstract

To address race/gender gaps in STEM, this study examines a factor important to retention in the field – student science identity. This study takes an intersectional perspective to determine the effects of race and gender on science identity and how these effects are mediated by science self-efficacy. Using path analysis, the results demonstrate that science self-efficacy fully mediates the effects of race/gender on science identity for White and Asian females and partially mediates these effects for Black males and Hispanic females. However, science self-efficacy does not mediate these effects for Black females and Hispanic males. Ultimately, these results point toward the need for a continued interrogation of the factors that contribute to disidentification with science for students of color.

Author

• Briana L. Chang, The College Board