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Authors:
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Gillian Nicholls, University of Pittsburgh
Harvey Wolfe, University of Pittsburgh
Mary Besterfield-Sacre, University of Pittsburgh
Larry Shuman, University of Pittsburgh
Siripen Larpkiattaworn, Exxon Mobil Corporation
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Abstract:
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This study examines survey results of over 12,000 incoming freshmen at two colleges to identify variables which predict students? choice of majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or a Non-STEM subject. The analysis examines nominal, ordinal, and interval data using basic statistical techniques to identify variables that exhibit significant differences between STEM and Non-STEM students across racial/ethnic and gender subgroups. Findings from analysis of female students at the two universities are compared to note which variables are consistent or inconsistent with a STEM major. The data was obtained from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program?s (CIRP) surveys of incoming freshmen at more than 1,700 universities. The annual surveys collect demographic, attitudinal, academic, and experiential data.
The analysis shows that an assessment of academic abilities, attitudes, and interests is valuable in predicting whether a student will choose to study a STEM subject in college. The most consistent variables for predicting a STEM major include qualitative and quantitative measures of academic ability and qualitative assessments of students? personal career motivations. The findings are in line with that of previous research using large, longitudinal datasets.
Variables that distinguish male and female students majoring in a STEM or Non-STEM topic were also explored. The records for STEM and Non-STEM students within five racial/ethnic subgroups are examined to look for statistically significant differences between males and females in each category. The results show that males or females score consistently higher in some variables across the STEM and Non-STEM categories for a racial/ethnic subgroup. The variables identified can be used in selecting an intervention strategy to increase pursuit of STEM majors by female and minority students.
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