Precollege Gender Differences and Similarities Among Fourth-Year Undergraduate Students Within Academic Majors: Implications for STEM

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: New Developments in Psychometrics, Measurement, and Assessment: Poster Session 1

Abstract

This study examines similarities and differences among male and female students in regard to their high school grades, ACT test scores, and measured interests. Results were disaggregated for undergraduate students across 17 fields of study. Within majors, gender differences in high school grades earned in English, social studies, mathematics, and the natural sciences were negligible. Females’ average ACT English and Reading scores exceeded their average Mathematics and Science scores in all undergraduate groupings. Males had greater balance in their ACT scores, though results varied across majors. Regarding interests, gender differences on the Data-Ideas dimension were negligible, but gender differences of practical significance were found for the People-Things dimension across all academic fields. Implications for female participation in STEM are discussed.

Author

• Paul A. Westrick, ACT, Inc.