A comparative study of the role of actual and perceived mathematics efficacy in the choice of technical majors for post-secondary women
A comparative study of the role of actual and perceived mathematics efficacy in the choice of technical majors for post-secondary women
Loading...
Issue Date
1988
Authors
Campbell-LaVoie, Frances
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This research proposal is based upon the author's life experiences, professional observations, and literature search. The author believes that the current shortage of women in technical fields is based upon the fact that competent women students in college do not perceive themselves as mathematically efficacious. This discrepancy between their actual mathematical ability and their perceived mathematical competency is the reason why most women will avoid taking college-level-mathematics courses, thereby preventing any possibility of majoring in the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer science.
The study involves a survey administered to junior college students to determine the validity of the proposed hypothesis. Additional hypotheses will be analyzed as to their potential in discouraging women in excelling in math. The analysis was done with the use of Lotus 1-2-3 computer software and yielded statistical results. Results were analyzed as to their relevancy to the hypotheses.
Description
Keywords
Psychology